Kenya Grants Charters To Two New Universities

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Kenyan President, William Ruto,has granted charters to the National Intelligence Research University and the Islamic University of Kenya, establishing them as Kenya’s newest universities on Tuesday.

The event which took place at the State House, highlighted Kenya’s higher education sector’s expansion since 1970, bringing the total number of chartered universities to 66.

In his remarks, President Ruto emphasised that the establishment of these institutions represents a commitment to promoting high-quality education, innovation, and research that will benefit Kenya’s socio-economic development.

He encouraged both universities to be beacons of academic excellence and to contribute to Kenya’s transformation by addressing critical issues such as youth unemployment and urbanisation.

“These charters are not only recognition but also a commitment to societal advancement through high-quality research and innovation,” President Ruto said.

He urged the institutions to “educate professionals who will drive our nation’s transformation” and to “position Kenya as a regional and global hub of intellectual and technological advancement.”

With nearly 600,000 students now enrolled across 79 universities in Kenya, the government is focused on strengthening academic standards.

President Ruto urged the Commission for University Education (CUE) to work diligently in elevating other institutions to charter status, ensuring that high standards in education are met and maintained.

The Islamic University of Kenya, which aims to promote solidarity and cohesion in a multicultural world, is expected to instil inclusivity and ethical values in its students.

President Ruto emphasised the university’s mission to produce graduates who value social justice and unity.

The establishment of the National Intelligence Research University (NIRU) is timely given Kenya’s complex security challenges, which include terrorism and cyber threats.

President Ruto emphasised the university’s role in providing intelligence officers with the skills they need to protect national security, noting that the university is expected to drive cutting-edge research and innovation in the sector.

The President stated that NIRU’s focus would also be consistent with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which emphasise the importance of technology and research in national development.

The university will support Kenya’s digital economy while also contributing to global peace and security through programmes aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions.

In a forward-looking statement, President Ruto urged NIRU to broaden its reach by admitting students from the Global South, thereby promoting diverse perspectives in the security sector.

“As we celebrate this milestone today, the journey ahead demands an unwavering pursuit of excellence, knowledge, and transformation,” President Ruto concluded.