President William Ruto has awarded a charter to Bomet University, formally elevating it to a fully fledged public institution and making it the 36th public chartered university in Kenya.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on February 4, Ruto said the granting of the charter marked a historic milestone for Bomet County and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to education as a driver of national transformation.
“Today is a historic day for the academic community, the people of Bomet County, and for our nation,” President Ruto said, describing education as “the surest path to transformation and shared prosperity”.
With the addition of Bomet University, Kenya now has 83 universities serving nearly 630,000 students.
The President said the expansion aligns with the government’s goal of ensuring every qualified Kenyan has a fair opportunity to access university education and acquire skills for the modern economy.
Ruto highlighted ongoing higher education reforms, including the Student-Centred Funding Model, which he said directs resources to learners based on ability and need rather than background.
He noted that increased government investment is already stabilising universities and colleges across the country.
According to the President, the education budget has grown significantly in recent years, supporting infrastructure development, hiring of teachers and trainers, and improved support for institutions of higher learning.
He also underscored the government’s focus on research and innovation, citing the establishment of a State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation and plans to scale up investment through the National Research Fund.
President William Ruto awards a charter to Bomet University, formally elevating it to a fully-fledged public institution on February 4, 2026, at State House, Nairobi .PHOTO/PCSPresident William Ruto awards a charter to Bomet University, formally elevating it to a fully-fledged public institution on February 4, 2026, at State House, Nairobi./PCS
The long-term goal, he said, is to raise research funding to 2 per cent of GDP and build a Sh1 trillion research and innovation base within the next decade.
“This is not only about laboratories and publications; it is also about financing start-ups, commercialising innovation, and building a generation of scientists, engineers, and creators who will power the country’s next wave of economic transformation,” President Ruto said.
The President called on Bomet University to develop a strong academic identity and work closely with the county government and development partners to harness the region’s agricultural, environmental and human potential.
He urged universities nationwide to strengthen partnerships with industry and communities to ensure graduates are equipped with practical and relevant skills.
