Bomet University was formally awarded its charter on Friday, 6 February 2026, at State House, Nairobi, in a ceremony led by President William Samoei Ruto.
The elevation of Bomet University, now Kenya’s 36th fully chartered public university marks a big leap for higher education in Bomet County and the wider region.
Addressing university council, management, staff and students’ representatives, President Ruto said the milestone was both a celebration of growth and a call to purpose. 
He reminded guests how the institution began as a small constituent college under Moi University almost a decade ago, and noted that its journey now puts it on equal footing with Kenya’s established universities.

 
President William Ruto signs the Bomet University Charter at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, 6 February 2026. He is flanked by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba (second left), Principal Secretary for Higher Education Dr. Beatrice Inyangala (far left), and senior university officials.

“This is a historic day for the academic community and the people of Bomet,” the President said. “Though rooted in the South Rift region, the mission and impact of this institution will advance far beyond geography serving the nation, the East African community, and I believe, one day, the global community.”
President Ruto told the university leadership and students that the government remains committed to supporting the institution’s growth and ensuring it has the facilities it needs to thrive. 
 

Senior government officials, including CUE Chairman Prof. James Onyango Awino (6th from left) and CUE CEO Prof. Mike Kuria (5th from left), observe the proceedings during Bomet University’s charter award ceremony at State House on 6th February 2026

In his remarks, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba applauded the long transformation of the college into a full university. 
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted how the elevation expands opportunities for youth in the region and supports national goals to widen access to tertiary education particularly for students who previously had to travel far from home for quality degrees.
“Today’s charter award reflects Kenya’s broader commitment to making university education more accessible and relevant,” Hon. Ogamba said, reminding officials that this growth aligns with national development priorities.
At the same ceremony, Prof. James Onyango Awino, the Commission Board Chairman underscored the role of the university council and CUE in safeguarding academic standards and quality as Bomet transitioned into a full university. 
He emphasized that the Commission’s responsibility is to ensure strong governance, proper staffing, sound teaching, and good student welfare all of which are essential now that the institution is fully accredited.
His message highlighted that the charter is not just a formality but a commitment to uphold quality education, with CUE’s support in monitoring and guiding Bomet University as it grows.
 

University officials display the charter instruments, including the logo and the mace, during the charter award ceremony at State House on 6th February 2026.

Prof. John O. Shiundu, Chairman of the Bomet University Council, expressed deep pride in the achievement on behalf of the institution. He called the charter a turning point, one that strengthens the university’s governance framework and opens doors for new partnerships, research opportunities and faculty recruitment that will benefit students and communities alike.
“We now have the autonomy to deepen our academic excellence, expand research, and serve our community with greater impact,” Prof. Shiundu said.
By Evelyn Okewo, Ag. Deputy Director of Corporate Communications, CUE