Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has proposed an ambitious plan to bring Harvard University to Kenya by offering free land in Narok County for the establishment of a local campus.

Speaking in an interview with a local TV station on Monday, May 26, 2025, the senator said this initiative would give Kenyan students access to world-class education without the expense and challenges of studying abroad.

“I am willing to donate land here in Narok for Harvard University to come and build a campus for our children. We have brilliant young people who cannot afford to travel abroad, but if Harvard is here, they can access world-class education right at home,” he said.

The proposed institution would be called the ‘Harvard University Maasai Campus’, symbolising the fusion of international academic excellence with Kenya’s rich cultural heritage.

Senator Olekina believes this project will open doors for many young Kenyans dreaming of quality education but unable to afford overseas tuition.

Empowering Kenyan students

The senator stressed that establishing a Harvard campus in Narok will empower Kenyan youth by enabling them to pursue their academic ambitions closer to home.

This would reduce the financial burden on families and provide more inclusive access to top-tier education. It also aligns with broader efforts to nurture a new generation of leaders equipped to contribute to Kenya’s growth and development.

Ledama said the campus would give Kenyan dreamers a chance to compete globally without having to leave their communities, making education more accessible and affordable.

Land reform advocacy at the core

This offer to allocate free land for the campus ties in with Senator Olekina’s ongoing advocacy for land reforms in Kenya.

In 2021, he proposed capping individual land ownership at 1,000 acres to address historical injustices and promote fairer land distribution. By offering land to Harvard University, he aims to use this resource strategically to benefit society and promote development.

He views land not just as an asset, but as a tool to unlock opportunities for education and economic empowerment, particularly for marginalised communities in Narok County.

While the idea of inviting Harvard to Narok is ambitious, it reflects Senator Olekina’s commitment to revolutionising Kenya’s education system. The “Harvard University Maasai Campus” could serve as a model for blending global academic standards with local cultural relevance.

If successful, this initiative could inspire similar partnerships across the country, helping to build a skilled workforce and boost Kenya’s socioeconomic progress. Narok County could emerge as a hub for higher learning and innovation, creating new opportunities for Kenyan youth.