Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has welcomed the awarding of a charter to Bomet University, describing it as a major step in strengthening access to higher education and supporting the growth of public universities across the country.

The charter was conferred on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, during a ceremony held at the State House, Nairobi, and presided over by President William Ruto.

In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Ogamba said the move marked an important moment not just for the institution, but also for students and families in the South Rift and neighbouring regions who have long relied on limited university spaces far from home.

He noted that the charter gives the university full legal standing and independence to run its academic and administrative affairs.

“This afternoon, I had the honour of joining President William Samoei Ruto, at State House, Nairobi, for the conferment of a Charter to Bomet University,” Ogamba wrote.

Ogamba explained that the charter elevates Bomet University from a constituent college to a fully-fledged university, a move he said will strengthen its ability to serve students, expand programmes, and invest in research that responds to local and national needs.

He said the development aligns with the government’s wider goal of ensuring that higher education is accessible, relevant, and responsive to the country’s development priorities.

“The conferment of the Charter marks a major milestone in the growth of the institution, affirming its full accreditation and autonomy in governance, academic programming, and research. It also represents another significant step in the ongoing efforts to expand access to quality and relevant higher education in Kenya,” the statement reads.

The awarding of the charter is expected to allow Bomet University to admit more students, attract funding, and build partnerships that support innovation and skills development.

Kenya’s 36th public university

Ruto awarded a charter to Bomet University, making it the 36th public chartered university in Kenya, in what he described as a commitment to bring higher education closer to the people.

“The award of charter to Bomet University, making it the 36th public chartered university in Kenya, 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,” Ruto stated.