On Thursday, 8th May 2025, Uzima University reached a significant milestone in its institutional journey when His Excellency President William Ruto awarded it a Charter, officially elevating it to a fully-fledged private university. The event took place at State House in Nairobi.
The President commended the University for its deliberate and focused approach in the courses it offers, which have had a transformative impact on healthcare in the Western Kenya region. He acknowledged that while many institutions pursue rapid expansion through diverse academic offerings, Uzima University chose a different path, specializing exclusively in health education.
President Ruto praised this bold decision, noting that health and STEM-based programmes are among the most resource-intensive to establish, given the high cost of setting up laboratories and practical equipment for students. Despite these challenges, the University made a strategic choice to remain true to its mission in healthcare training.
“You didn’t chase expansion by offering every course imaginable. Instead, you focused on a niche that speaks directly to the healthcare needs of our people,” said the President. “It’s expensive to set up laboratories and practical learning equipment for health sciences, but you chose the hard path, and I commend you,” said the Head of State.
His Excellency the President (4th from right) presents the Uzima University Mace to the Council Chairman, CPA Nelson Otieno. Looking on are Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Migos Ogamba (3rd left), Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Muganda (2nd left), CUE Board Chairman Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha (furthest left), the new Chancellor Prof. Oyuko Mbeche (next to the President), and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rev. Cosmas Rhagot (furthest right).
Recognising Uzima’s alignment with the government’s Universal Health Coverage agenda, President Ruto announced a government grant of Ksh100 million to support the University in strengthening its academic and practical training infrastructure.
He assured the University community and stakeholders that the government would stand with institutions like Uzima that demonstrate commitment to addressing national priorities through education.
The President paid glowing tribute to Archbishop Emeritus Zacchaeus Okoth, the University’s founder, for his vision, resilience, and unwavering efforts to establish an independent institution of higher learning dedicated to health sciences.
A photo of His Excellency President William Ruto with other dignitaries and members of the CUE Secretariat during the award of a charter to Uzima University at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, 8th May 2025.
He also acknowledged former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his consistent support and advocacy, which contributed to the establishment and growth of the institution in the Western Kenya region.
Speaking during the same occasion, the former Prime Minister described the award of the charter as a transformative moment for the University and the nation at large. He reflected on the evolution of Kenya’s higher education system, drawing parallels with his own experiences at the University of Nairobi in the 1970s, then the only constituent college of the University of East Africa.
From that single institution emerged a robust network of universities, both public and private, now playing a vital role in driving Kenya’s development. He reminded the audience that societies grow by investing in knowledge, and called for renewed commitment to building strong academic institutions.
Right Honourable Raila Odinga, Former Prime Minister, delivering his remarks during the award of a charter to Uzima University on Thursday, 8th May 2025.
The former Prime Minister also issued a powerful call to action by comparing Kenya’s development trajectory with that of South Korea.
“In 1963, both countries had similar economic indicators, yet today, South Korea is a global economic leader while Kenya still faces fundamental development challenges. He posed the question: “What did South Korea get right that we got wrong?”
Mr. Odinga challenged the nation to invest in research, innovation, and education as the path to transformation. His remarks echoed a message of hope and urgency stressing that Kenya has the potential to rise to global competitiveness if it gets its education and development equation right.
A section of dignitaries attending the Uzima University Charter Award Ceremony.
Other dignitaries present included Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, MP Junet Mohammed, Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Migosi Ogamba, Principal Secretary for Higher Education Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Commission for University Education (CUE) Board Chairman Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha, CUE board members, Commission Secretary and CEO Prof. Mike Kuria, and members of the CUE Secretariat.
Cabinet Secretary Ogamba affirmed that Uzima University’s elevation reflects bold reforms undertaken by the Ministry to ensure quality university education across the board. He stressed that the government’s commitment to quality assurance and policy implementation remains firm.
Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Migos Ogamba (4th from left) looks on as the President signs the Uzima University Charter at State House on Thursday, 8th May 2025.
Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha noted that the granting of the charter followed a rigorous and comprehensive process of evaluation and compliance, guided by CUE’s standards. He commended the University for meeting the requirements and upholding academic excellence throughout its journey from a constituent college to a university with full autonomy.
Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha, the Commission for University Education Chairman.
Prof. Chacha noted that the charter is not merely a legal instrument but a national endorsement of Uzima’s role in producing competent health professionals and advancing healthcare outcomes for Kenya and the region.
Written by Evelyn Okewo
Principal Corporate Communication Officer, CUE