About Us
Our History
The Animal Health Industry Training Institute (AHITI) Nyahururu was established in 1979 on the land now occupied by Laikipia University. It succeeded the Large Scale Farm Managers Training College, which was phased out as the demand for farm managers decreased due to land subdivision. Recognizing the need for frontline personnel in the livestock sub-sector, the Government of Kenya established AHITI Nyahururu as the second institute after AHITI Kabete, dedicated to training veterinary paraprofessionals for the Directorate of Veterinary Services.
Following the Structural Adjustment Policies of 1986, the institute expanded its focus to train front line personnel for the entire livestock sub-sector. In its first intake in 1979, AHITI admitted 160 students for a rigorous two-year training program in animal health. Training continued at this location until February 1988, when a presidential directive established Laikipia Teachers College on the same premises for diploma-level education.
After one year, the Teachers College transitioned to become part of Egerton University as Laikipia Campus, leading AHITI Nyahururu to vacate. With a continuing demand for well-trained livestock sub-sector personnel, the Ministry of Livestock Development and the Provincial Administration arranged for AHITI Nyahururu’s temporary relocation to Ojoro Orok Farmers Training Centre. In 2004, the KARI Board of Management allocated 100 acres at KARI (now KALRO) Oljoro Orok to AHITI Nyahururu for a permanent campus. Construction of facilities for classrooms, student accommodations, and animal housing began in 2008/2009. Students remained at the Agricultural Training Centre until January 2017, when AHITI moved to its current site on the KALRO land.
Despite multiple relocations, AHITI Nyahururu has upheld its commitment to training skilled front line and middle-level personnel in the livestock sector. Today, the institute offers three programs: a Diploma in Animal Health and Production, an Upgrading to Diploma course for Certificate holders, and a Certificate in Animal Health and Production. As infrastructure continues to develop, the institute plans to expand its course offerings.