Tharaka University Vice Chancellor/CEO, Prof. Peter K. Muriungi Ph.D, today hosted a delegation from Kamanyaki and Kamarandi locations in a visit aimed at strengthening collaboration between the institution and the surrounding community.
The delegation expressed appreciation for the commendable work being undertaken by the University’s administration under the leadership of Prof. Peter K. Muriungi, particularly in advancing education, research, and community engagement initiatives. They noted that the University’s development footprint has had a positive impact in the region and appealed for its expansion to benefit Kamanyaki and Kamarandi locations more directly.
Among the key requests presented was the establishment of demonstration farms in the two locations. The delegation emphasized that such initiatives would not only enhance agricultural productivity but also serve as practical learning hubs for farmers and youth, fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Zaberio Njagi (MOH, Tharaka South) commended Prof. Muriungi for his leadership, noting that the development spearheaded by the University would greatly benefit the wider community. He observed that the two locations have, to a large extent, remained marginalized in terms of development and employment opportunities, and appealed to the University to initiate projects—such as demonstration farms—that would improve livelihoods and create opportunities for residents.
Mr. Peter Gitonga of Kamuganka Foundation supported the proposal, noting that demonstration farms would equip community members with essential dryland farming skills. He further requested that the University’s leadership lobby for the establishment of a water project to reduce overreliance on rain-fed agriculture, which has proven unreliable due to frequent rainfall failures.
The area chiefs, Mr. Abedi Rwito (Kamarandi) and Mr. Pius Muturi (Kamanyaki), assured the University administration of the availability of land for the proposed projects, adding that the community would warmly welcome such initiatives.
Other members of the delegation included Mr. Patrick Irumbi (Opinion Leader), Mr. Bernard Mwangi (Dentist, Marimanti), and Ms. Elsie Kagendo (Youth Leader), who all echoed the need for targeted development interventions and expanded opportunities for youth and local residents.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by three members of staff drawn from the same region: Dr. Patrick Kanampiu (Lecturer), Mr. Isaiah Njeru (Assistant Lecturer), and Mr. Titus Kajiita (Administration Assistant). Dr. Kanampiu thanked Prof. Muriungi for his leadership and for granting the delegation an audience, noting that the region has historically lagged behind in development and that the proposed projects would serve as a catalyst for transformation.
In response, Prof. Muriungi appreciated the delegation’s visit and reaffirmed that community engagement and outreach remain central to the university’s mission. He noted that the proposals presented were both timely and feasible, and assured the delegation that the University would support the establishment of demonstration farms in the area.
To operationalize this, the Vice Chancellor appointed a committee comprising the three University staff members present to spearhead the planning and implementation of the proposed projects. He further pledged to engage development partners with the aim of mobilizing resources for the establishment of a water project to support irrigation, noting that this would significantly boost agricultural productivity in the region.
The visit underscored the growing partnership between the University and local communities, anchored on a shared commitment to inclusive development, capacity building, and sustainable livelihoods.
