President Ruto Awards Charter to Bomet University, Citing Expanded Access to Higher Education

President William Ruto has awarded a charter to Bomet University, officially elevating it to a fully fledged public institution and making it the 36th public chartered university in Kenya.

The charter was conferred during a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to decentralise higher education and expand learning opportunities across the country.

President Ruto said the granting of the charter affirms the administration’s commitment to bringing higher education closer to the people, particularly those in underserved regions.

“The award of a charter to Bomet University affirms our commitment to bring higher education closer to the people. It expands choice, reduces barriers to access, and ensures that opportunity is not limited by geography,” the President said.

He noted that the move is part of a deliberate policy aimed at strengthening human capital development and equipping young Kenyans with skills needed in a modern and competitive economy.

As a result of these reforms, President Ruto revealed that national university enrolment grew by 12 per cent last year, a development he attributed to increased access, expanded infrastructure, and targeted education policies.

“This progress reflects our resolve to ensure that every qualified Kenyan has a fair chance to pursue higher education and acquire the skills required for a modern, competitive economy,” he said.

The President emphasised that universities play a critical role in national development by fostering innovation, research, and skills training aligned to market needs. He challenged the leadership of Bomet University to prioritise quality education, research excellence, and community engagement.

President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening public universities through policy reforms, improved governance, and sustainable funding models, noting that education remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s long-term development agenda.

The charter elevates Bomet University from a constituent college to a fully autonomous institution, enabling it to expand academic programmes, enhance research capacity, and attract partnerships at both local and international levels.

Leaders from Bomet County welcomed the milestone, describing it as a boost to regional development that will create jobs, spur innovation, and increase access to higher education for students from the South Rift and neighbouring regions.

The ceremony at State House was attended by senior government officials, education sector stakeholders, and representatives from Bomet University, who hailed the charter as a transformative step for education and socio-economic growth in the region.