President William Ruto on Wednesday presided over the award of a charter to Bomet University in a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, marking a significant milestone for the institution and higher education in the South Rift region.
The event brought together senior government officials, education stakeholders, university administrators, and leaders from Bomet County to witness the formal elevation of the institution to a fully fledged public university.
President Ruto underscored the evolving role of universities in Kenya’s socio-economic transformation, noting that higher education institutions must go beyond traditional teaching to actively contribute to national development.
He said the government is aligning university training with the country’s long-term development agenda by strengthening capacity in areas that directly address societal and economic challenges.
The President emphasized that research and innovation will now form a core pillar of higher education training, arguing that knowledge generation and practical problem-solving are essential for Kenya’s competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy.
He noted that universities must become hubs of innovation, supporting industry, agriculture, healthcare, climate resilience, and technology driven growth through locally grounded research.
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Ruto said the government is committed to increasing investment in research infrastructure, funding, and partnerships between universities, the private sector, and international institutions.
He added that this approach will help bridge the gap between academic work and real world application, ensuring that research outcomes translate into tangible benefits for communities and the economy.
Speaking specifically about Bomet University, the President said the institution is well positioned to support regional development, particularly in agriculture, agribusiness, environmental studies, and health sciences.
He encouraged the university leadership to design programmes that respond to local needs while maintaining global academic standards.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who also spoke at the event, said the awarding of the charter reflects the government’s confidence in the university’s governance structures, academic capacity and readiness to deliver quality education.
He noted that the elevation of more institutions to university status is part of a broader strategy to expand access to higher education while safeguarding quality and relevance.
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok welcomed the charter, describing it as a boost to education access and economic activity in the county.
He said the university will attract students, create jobs, and stimulate local businesses, while also providing opportunities for research tailored to the region’s priorities.
The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of the charter, signaling a new chapter for Bomet University as it joins Kenya’s growing network of public universities tasked with driving innovation-led development.
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