Ruto promises to award Turkana University College charter next year
By Wycliffe Nyamasege, October 12, 2023
President William Ruto has pledged to recognise Turkana University College as a fully-fledged university.
Speaking during the official opening of the Turkana Cultural and Tourism Festival ‘Tobonglore’ in Lodwar town on Thursday, October 12, the Head of State promised to award the institution a charter during next year’s cultural celebrations.
The elevation of the Turkana University College, President Ruto said, would boost the institution’s enrollment.
“Mimi nikija hapa mwaka hujao kwa Tobonglore nitakuja na charter ya Turkana University ili tuiweke katika foundation thabiti iweze kutusaidia katika masomo ya watu wa sehemu hii na sehemu zingine,” Ruto stated.
Loosely translated: “When I come here next year for Tobonglore, I will bring the charter for Turkana University so that we can give the institution a solid foundation for local students and others from other parts as well.”
Ruto made the remarks following a request from local leaders led by Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai.
“As Turkana people, we urge you to give Turkana University College a charter,” Lomorukai implored Ruto.
The number of public and private institutions with charters has increased over the recent past as the demand for tertiary education continues to rise.
Last year, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta elevated eight institutions to fully-fledged varsities.
The institutions located in eight counties were Kaimosi Friends University (Vihiga), Alupe University (Busia), Tom Mboya University (Homa Bay), as well as Tharaka University (Tharaka Nithi).
Lukenya University (Makueni), Zetech University (Kiambu), Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology (Nairobi) and the East African University (Kajiado) also received their charters.
Uhuru, while issuing the charters at Kakamega State Lodge, challenged the management of the universities to change tack in the delivery of higher education to cope with global market demands.
“In today’s world, knowledge and innovation are increasingly becoming life’s key differentiators in determining success. It is for this reason that our investment in university education has been targeted to enhance access to relevant and marketable courses that will herald a new era of innovation; thereby propelling our country to higher levels of economic and social development,” he said.