President William Ruto is urging Kenyan universities to embrace innovation and technology to make education more affordable and accessible.
Speaking at a charter award ceremony for two new universities, Ruto pledged government support for online and virtual learning initiatives. These initiatives, he believes, will not only enrich Kenya’s human capital but also foster a more inclusive knowledge-based society.
“We must meet the ever-growing demand for higher education,” stressed Ruto, emphasizing the importance of providing access to quality education, particularly for those at the bottom of the social and economic ladder.
The President highlighted the ongoing national project to lay down a 100,000km fibre optic network, which will provide critical infrastructure for online learning, e-commerce, and the creation of digital jobs.
Ruto underscored the crucial role universities play in Kenya’s economic transformation, particularly within the framework of the “Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.” This agenda prioritizes leveraging Kenya’s human resources to drive economic growth and empower the workforce.
The chartering of Tangaza University and the Management University of Africa brings the number of accredited universities in Kenya to 64, solidifying the country’s position as a regional hub for higher education.
“This award reaffirms our commitment to practical, applied learning that equips future leaders across all sectors,” said Ruto.
The President acknowledged the positive impact of Kenya’s investment in education. He pointed to the country’s globally competitive workforce, which attracts foreign investment, fuels a robust service sector, and sustains a large and active diaspora community.
“Education has empowered Kenya to seize global opportunities,” Ruto explained, citing record diaspora remittances exceeding traditional exports in 2023.
Ruto also emphasized the importance of maintaining high academic standards. He directed the Commission for Higher Education to ensure universities adhere to strict integrity guidelines. Combating fake degrees and certificates remains a top priority, with the government committed to ensuring only qualifications from recognized institutions hold weight.
A new university funding model was also announced. This model aims to address shortcomings in the government sponsorship program and prioritize scholarship allocation for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring no one is left behind in pursuit of higher education.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu echoed the government’s commitment to developing tertiary and university education. He commended the Commission for University Education for its rigorous vetting process, ensuring both Tangaza University and the Management University of Africa meet the established standards and regulations.
The ceremony also saw the installation of Prof. Edward Etengu as the Chancellor of Tangaza University and Dr. Reuben Musyoka Mutiso as the Chancellor of the Management University of Africa.
