March 19, 2025

President William Ruto has officially awarded a charter to Riara University, making it a fully accredited private university in Kenya. The ceremony took place at State House, Nairobi, and marked an important milestone in the country's higher education sector. This brings the total number of private chartered universities in Kenya to 29.

The event was attended by key figures, including the founders of Riara Group of Schools and Universities, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, officials from the Commission for University Education, university management, and staff.

President William Ruto praised the role of private institutions in transforming education in Kenya. He highlighted the inspiring journey of Riara University’s founders, Prof. Eddah Wacheke Gachukia and Mr. Daniel Gachukia, who started with a kindergarten of 20 learners and have now built a fully-fledged university focused on innovation and technology.

President William Ruto (far left) signs the Riara University Charter during a ceremony held at State House on 19th March 2025. He is flanked by the Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba (5th left), PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala (4th left), CUE Board Chairman Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha (3rd far left), Commission CEO Prof. Mike Kuria (2nd right) and Riara University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Robert Gateru (far right).

In recognition of their contribution to education, Mr. Daniel Gachukia was awarded the Elder of the Burning Spear, while Prof. Eddah Wacheke Gachukia also received a state honor.

President William Ruto (centre) and Riara University founders Prof. Daniel Gachukia and Prof. Eddah Wacheke Gachukia

 Strengthening Higher Education

President Ruto emphasized that the award of a charter is a major step in expanding access to university education. He noted that in 1970, Kenya had only two universities, serving about 3,000 students. Today, there are 79 universities with over 570,000 students, including 150,000 in private institutions.

He urged universities to play a greater role in addressing unemployment by redefining their role beyond academic excellence to become hubs for innovation and job creation. He also called for curriculum reforms to equip graduates with the skills needed to compete in the global job market.

Financial Stability and University Reforms

The President acknowledged financial challenges in public universities, revealing that by the end of 2022, the institutions had accumulated debts exceeding KSh.120 billion, with 23 universities struggling financially. He assured that the government has implemented measures to improve governance, diversify funding, and cut costs to stabilize the sector.

 Private Sector’s Role in Job Creation

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga stressed the need to create opportunities for university graduates, given that the public sector cannot absorb all of them. He called for the expansion of the private sector to accommodate more graduates and boost employment.

Commission Secretary/CEO Prof. Mike Kuria

Ensuring Quality Education

Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba stated that the Ministry is working on internationalizing Kenyan universities to enhance their global competitiveness, as outlined in the Commission for University Education’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028.

Commission for University Education Board Chairman, Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti Chacha, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that only accredited institutions offer degrees. He highlighted ongoing collaborations with security agencies to eliminate illegal universities and fake degree programs, which pose a threat to the integrity of Kenya’s education system.

President William Ruto, Commission board members, management, and staff during the awarding of the Riara University charter at State House, Nairobi on 19th March, 2025.

Prof. Chacha noted that the award of the charter is a significant achievement for Riara University and a boost to the country’s higher education sector.

By Evelyn Okewo
Principal Corporate Communications Officer-Commission for University Education
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