Egerton University - Njoro, Nakuru

Name (international):

Name (local):

Type of Institution:

Address:

PO Box 536
Njoro
20115

Tel: +254 (51) 62454
Fax: +254 (51) 62527

WWW:

Description:

Egerton University is a public university; the main campus is located in Njoro, near the city of Nakuru, Kenya.

The school was founded in 1939 and was originally named Egerton Farm School. It was established by a large land grant of 740 acres (3 km²) by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton. The school's original purpose was to prepare white European youth for careers in agriculture.

By 1955, the name had changed to Egerton Agricultural College. A one-year certificate course and a two-year diploma course in agriculture were offered. In 1958, Lord Egerton donated another 1,100 acres (4.5 km²) of land.

Soon afterward, the college opened its doors to people of all races from Kenya and other African countries. The first African principal, Dr. William Odongo Omamo, was appointed in 1966.

In 1979, due to support from the Government of Kenya and USAID, the college expanded yet again. It became a part of the University of Nairobi system, and by 1987, was classified as a university.