President William Ruto has granted official charter status to Bomet University, making it Kenya's 36th public chartered university. The move underscores the government's dedication to bringing higher education closer to communities and offering more options to students. The announcement came during an official event at State House on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Bomet University has achieved full chartered status after meeting all national accreditation standards. President Ruto confirmed the elevation, stating it aligns with the government's efforts to make higher education more accessible and provide students with greater choices. At the State House ceremony, the president noted that national university enrollment has risen by 12 percent, driven by targeted policy measures to broaden access to higher learning.
“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,” President Ruto said.
The president further announced plans to fully operationalize the National Research Fund by increasing its allocation from 0.8 percent to 2 percent of GDP, aiming to build a KSh1 trillion fund for research and innovation over 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,” he added.
According to Ruto, ongoing education reforms are rooted in principles of fairness, accountability, and student success. The university's new status stems from years of institutional discipline, frequently praised for its dedication to quality. “As Bomet University begins this new chapter, I challenge its leadership to define a strong and distinctive academic identity grounded in excellence, relevance, and innovation,” Ruto stated.
With this charter, Bomet University can now offer degree programs and confer its own academic qualifications independently. A key benefit is direct government support, as chartered public universities qualify for funding, grants, and other forms of backing. However, the status entails oversight responsibilities to maintain high-quality education, ethical management, and adherence to national higher education regulations.
