CS Magoha elevates Nyandarua Institute

The Nyandarua Institute of Science and Technology is now a national polytechnic.

The announcement was contained in a gazette notice signed by Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha on Thursday. This brings to 12 the number of polytechnics in the country.

The institution will offer diploma and certificate courses in various disciplines.

Its elevation follows a petition by Nyandarua leaders early this year led by Governor Francis Kimemia, Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki and Ol Jororok MP Michael Muchira.

Prof Maghoha inspected the institution’s facilities in the company of the leaders in readiness for the upgrade.

During the tour, Maghoha said the institution had met the standards set by the Ministry and that it would be upgraded to a national polytechnic.

In the gazette notice, Maghoha said the institution would admit students from all over the country once schools reopen.

“We have inspected the institution and it meets the standards of a national polytechnic. It shall now offer diploma and certificate courses or other qualifications in various areas of services,” read the notice.

Felix Mung’atu, the principal, said the new polytechnic would offer a wide range of market-driven courses in engineering, business, information technology, liberal studies and agriculture.

Nyandarua Institute of Science and Technology has been a National Centre of Excellence in Building and Civil Engineering.

“The institute has adequate learning facilities, workshops, labs, teaching staff, excellent accommodation facilities, and a conducive learning environment for every person who needs quality tertiary education,” he said.

The institute was started in 2007, with former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Joseph Kaguthi as the chairman of the board. Kaguthi hails from the county.