Laikipia University boasts a unique historical footprint that has evolved through several distinct educational phases—transforming from a modest colonial farm school into a leading center of global higher learning.
1929 — 1959
The Colonial Foundation
The institution began its journey in April 1929, founded as a primary school by William Thomas Alfred Levet, a British colonial farmer and educationist. Initially established as a whites-only primary school on an expansive farm property, it was eventually sold to Guy Bullen in February 1959.
1965 — 1978
Agricultural Transformation Era
Acquired by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1965, the institution served as a Large-Scale Farmers Training College (LSFTC) until 1970. Later, in October 1979, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry converted it into an Animal Husbandry and Industry Training Institute (AHITI), delivering specialized certificate programs in animal health.
1988 — 2010
Integration with Egerton University
Following a brief stint as a Diploma Science Teacher’s College, the premises were absorbed by Egerton University on 1st July 1990 as a campus. This move addressed a government call to absorb a double intake of secondary school graduates, firmly focusing the institution on high-caliber Graduate Teacher-Training (BEd Arts and BA programs).
2011 — 2012
The Transition Framework
Driven by rapid growth and strong community demand, the institution was upgraded to a constituent University College of Egerton University. From August 2005 onwards, active stakeholder workshops built critical partnerships between the university upgrading committees and local community leaders.
19th February 2013
Award of Full University Charter
In a historic milestone, Laikipia University was awarded its official University Charter by His Excellency Hon. Mwai Kibaki E.G.H., the then President and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces of the Republic of Kenya, elevating the institution into a fully fledged independent university.