- President William Ruto recently visited Northlands City, a large-scale development project by the Kenyatta family
- The development in Ruiru, estimated to cost KSh 500 billion, will offer a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces
- The head of state’s visit coincided with a landmark day for a key institution within the development
President William Ruto has been spotted visiting Northlands City, a sprawling development spearheaded by the Kenyatta family.
Source: Facebook
The mega project, located in Ruiru, spans 11,576 acres and is estimated to cost KSh 500 billion.
It will offer a blend of housing, commercial, and industrial spaces, catering to around 250,000 residents.
The land, currently home to Brookside Dairy and Gicheha Farm, both part of the Kenyatta family’s agricultural ventures, has been a focal point for infrastructure development since 2018, with roads, water, and electricity already integrated into the plan.
Why did William Ruto visit Northlands City?
The development gained national attention in March 2023 when unknown individuals invaded a section of the land, clearing trees and loading sheep from the farm into vehicles. Despite this, the project remains on track, with the establishment of key institutions already underway.
One such institution is AMREF International University (AMIU), a vital part of Northlands City’s educational framework. Founded in 2017, AMIU offers a range of programmes, from undergraduate degrees to postgraduate qualifications, as well as diplomas and certificates.
In July 2023, the university celebrated the grand opening of its Northlands Campus, marking the occasion with its sixth graduation ceremony.
The event saw the former first lady, Margaret Kenyatta, deliver an inspiring address on the future of healthcare in Africa.
On Thursday, November 25, images surfaced of Ruto visiting the modern campus to attend a landmark event: the awarding of AMIU’s university charter.
The charter, hailed by the university as an affirmation of its academic excellence, signifies its commitment to transforming healthcare education across Africa.
During the visit, Ruto planted and watered a tree before being shown a miniature model of the campus.
Source: Facebook
The event was also attended by Tsitsi Masiyiwa, the wife of Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa, who was installed as AMIU’s new chancellor.
Source: Facebook
Following his tour of the campus, Ruto addressed the students and faculty before signing the charter.
The university’s state-of-the-art facilities include advanced laboratories, modern classrooms, and a top-tier library, making AMIU a central piece of the Northlands City development and a symbol of the Kenyatta family’s vision.
Kenyans reacted to the visit by writing:
Vincent Vinny:
“Northlands = Kenyatta.”
Jones Mhango:
“I’m proud to be a postgraduate student of this great university. These guys are very serious about education.”
Ignitius Malimo:
“We bless the Lord.”
Patiee Msipa:
“Amazing! Congratulations.”
What did Uhuru Kenyatta do at Northlands City?
Source: Instagram
In October, retired president Uhuru Kenyatta also toured AMIU.
He met with students and staff, offering encouragement and support for the planned teaching hospital.
Uhuru also signed the visitors’ book and was presented with a cake to celebrate his birthday during the visit.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
