On July 19, 2021, Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha announced that Mama Ngina University, named after President Uhuru Kenyatta’s mother was ready to begin operations.
The institution is located in Gatundu South Sub-County, Kiambu County. The CS announced that the university would be open for the September intake.
Speaking at Mutomo Primary school adjacent to Mama Ngina University, Magoha lauded the institution for expediting the construction.
He added that the institution will make the necessary steps to adhere to regulations set by the Ministry of Education.
“We have decided that come the new academic year in September, the university should have students. From what we have established, it is ready for new admissions,” he stated.
This is the third University to be named after a member of the Kenyatta family after KU, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture, and Technology (JKUAT).
Management
Mama Ngina University will begin operations as a constituent college of Kenyatta University until it is able to stand on its own.
KU Vice-Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina stated that the institution will be run under a principal and a board of management though its academic programs and examinations will be administered by KU.
Wainaina assured that Mama Ngina University will be able to operate on its own in three years and will not require help from KU anymore.
The university has already been inspected and cleared by the Commission of University Education (CUE) to begin operations.
Admissions
The university will receive its batch of students in September as announced by CS Magoha.
In its debut year, Mama Ngina University will admit 90 students.
Courses
The institution will initially offer three courses all in line with the academic provisions in line with the academic provisions of KU.
The programs include: Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Environmental studies, and Hospitality.
“We hope it will get the required support from KU until it is able to stand on its own,” Magoha stated.
Accommodation
Students will initially reside outside the institution as the management works to construct hostels for its students.
“In a few years to come, we shall be forced to construct accommodation facilities as the number of students’ increase. Also, investors should seize the opportunity and construct hostels,” Prof. Wainaina stated.