President William Ruto has awarded charters to two new universities, bringing the total number of chartered universities in the country to 66.
The newest entities to receive charters at State House, Nairobi, are the National Intelligence Research University and the Islamic University of Kenya, a private institution.
In his address on Tuesday, President Ruto highlighted the importance of the institutions in driving societal advancement through high-quality research and innovation.
The National Intelligence Research University is the second specialised security-based university to be chartered after the National Defence University of Kenya (NDU-K) in Lanet, Nakuru County.
It was established under Legal Notice Number 96 of 2021 and has been operating as a constituent college of the NDU-K. It focuses on intelligence studies and research on complex security threats.
Dr Ruto urged both universities to pursue excellence in teaching and research, emphasising that a university charter signifies a commitment to addressing pressing national challenges, including youth unemployment and urbanisation.
“A university charter signifies a commitment to societal advancement through high-quality research and innovation and that they commit to ensuring this mission succeeds. I encourage you to pursue excellence in teaching and research and to educate professionals who will drive our nation’s transformation,” he said.
“Institutions like yours play a vital role in positioning Kenya as a regional and global hub of intellectual and technological advancement. It is also your mission to address our pressing challenges within your areas of specialisation, which range from youth unemployment to urbanisation and health.”
Dr Ruto expressed his optimism about the enrolment of over 27,000 students in engineering programmes across Kenyan universities in the current academic year, noting that these graduates were essential for the country's development.
He called for closer collaboration between universities and industry to ensure that future engineers are equipped with the skills needed for Kenya’s growth.
“Engineering graduates drive innovation and sustainable progress in every sector, aligning with the government’s vision for inclusive growth. Universities and industry must work together to equip future engineers to meet Kenya’s development needs,” he said.
Additionally, Dr Ruto pointed out the Islamic University of Kenya's role in fostering solidarity and coexistence among diverse communities, urging the institution to promote tolerance and produce professionals committed to social justice.
“By bringing together diverse students and staff, the university will foster tolerance and produce professionals grounded in a strong ethical foundation,” he said.
President William Ruto and Dr Ali Said Sunkar Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Kenya when he awarded charters to the Islamic University of Kenya and National Intelligence and Research University at State House, Nairobi, on November 5, 2024.
Photo credit: PCS
In light of complex security challenges, including terrorism and cyber threats, the President highlighted the timely establishment of the National Intelligence Research University, which is set to strengthen the training of intelligence officers.
He urged the university to align its academic programmes with national security strategies and to play a pivotal role in advancing Kenya's digital economy ambitions.
“Chartering the National Intelligence Research University is especially timely, as Kenya faces complex security challenges such as terrorism and cyber threats. In addition, the importance of high standards in training our security sector professionals cannot be overstated. We expect the National Intelligence Research University to play a crucial role in equipping our intelligence officers to safeguard the nation and to intensify its focus on cutting-edge research and innovation in national security," he said.
The President urged both institutions to uphold the highest academic standards and ethical commitments, reaffirming that education should be a transformative force in society.
He also called on the Commission for University Education to ensure rigorous oversight to maintain high standards across Kenyan universities.
“I urge both institutions to uphold the highest standards of academic excellence, ethical and moral commitment, and societal contribution. This is how we shall actualise and validate education as a tool for transformation," he stated.
Ayyub Chesula, Head of Marketing at the Islamic University of Kenya (IUK), said the institution’s recent receipt of a charter is a transformative milestone that will drive growth and enhance its reputation.
“This is a significant milestone because having a charter is an essential step in academics, especially in building public trust. It strengthens our credibility and enhances our capacity to address our own challenges. With this charter, we’ll be able to broaden the range of solutions we provide,” said Mr Chesula.
The charter grants IUK the authority to independently develop and accredit new programs, enabling it to confidently market itself as a fully recognized institution. According to Chesula, IUK is now looking to expand beyond its existing faculties, which include Education and Arts, Business and Economics, and Islamic Sharia and Islamic Studies.
Mr Chesula further said that the university has also launched a Faculty of Informatics and Technology, and plans to introduce new programmes in Nursing, Allied Health, Law, and Medicine starting next year.
“We currently have a Faculty of Islamic Sharia, which focuses on Islamic Sharia and Islamic Studies. Recently, we launched a Faculty of Informatics and Technology to support IT processes. With the charter in place, we plan to introduce a Faculty of Nursing next year, along with other areas such as law and medicine,” he said.
The Islamic University of Kenya, situated in Kisaju along the Nairobi-Namanga Highway, with branches in Nairobi and Mombasa, stands at the cusp of a transformative era. Serving a current student body of 612, the institution is poised for significant growth as it edges closer to attaining its university charter.
Mr Chesula, notes that the university envisions the charter as a pivotal step that will open doors to a wider applicant pool, driven by an expanded range of courses and streamlined professional programmes designed to meet the demands of today’s job market.
“At present, our student body consists of 612 students, all of whom are well-supported in terms of health services. The charter also enables us to expand our offerings with additional programs, including short courses,” he said
