President William Ruto has awarded a charter to Bomet University, officially elevating it to Kenya’s 36th fully chartered public university in a move aimed at expanding access to higher education and supporting regional development.
The charter was presented during a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, where the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Mutai, and Council Chair, Prof. John Shiundu, received the instrument on behalf of the institution.
Speaking at the event, President Ruto said the charter underscores the government’s long-term policy of decentralising higher education and ensuring that no Kenyan is locked out of opportunity due to location or economic barriers.
“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.
Higher Enrolment and Skills for a Competitive Economy
President Ruto noted that the expansion of public universities is already yielding measurable outcomes, pointing to a 12 per cent growth in national university enrolment last year.
He said the increase reflects the government’s determination to ensure that every qualified Kenyan has a fair chance to pursue higher education and acquire skills aligned with the demands of a modern and competitive economy.
Education sector officials say the chartered status will allow Bomet University to expand its academic programmes, attract more funding for research, and strengthen partnerships with industry and other institutions.
University Leadership, Leaders Welcome Charter
Bomet University Vice Chancellor Prof. Charles Mutai welcomed the charter, describing it as a major milestone that positions the institution for growth in teaching, research, and community engagement.
“This charter gives us the mandate and confidence to scale up academic excellence, strengthen research output, and serve our community more effectively,” Prof. Mutai said.
Council Chair Prof. John Shiundu said the elevation would enhance governance structures and improve the university’s ability to attract qualified faculty and strategic collaborations.
Local leaders from the South Rift region have also hailed the development, saying the fully chartered university will boost enrolment from surrounding counties, create jobs, and stimulate local economic activity through student spending, housing demand, and service growth.
With the new status, Bomet University joins Kenya’s growing network of public universities tasked with nurturing skilled professionals, supporting innovation, and driving inclusive national development.
