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On Tuesday, President William Ruto inaugurated two new universities in Kenya, granting charters to the National Intelligence Research University (NIRU) and the Islamic University of Kenya. The ceremony was held at State House.
These institutions join a growing number of universities in Kenya, now totaling 66 with full charter status. Since Kenya’s first university was established in 1970, the country’s higher education sector has continually evolved to meet new demands. Today, with close to 600,000 students enrolled across 79 universities, the addition of NIRU and the Islamic University of Kenya demonstrates the government’s commitment to cultivating specialized knowledge to address national and regional challenges.
President Ruto emphasized the distinct missions of these two universities, positioning them as vital contributors to Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. He described the institutions as not only academic centers but also as instruments of social progress and development. “These charters signify a commitment to building a society rooted in high-quality research, ethical standards, and technological advancement,” he said, highlighting the significance of these institutions beyond their educational roles.
The Islamic University of Kenya aims to foster cohesion in Kenya’s multicultural society, focusing on inclusivity, social justice, and ethical education. President Ruto remarked that the university would prepare graduates to act as stewards of unity and respect in an increasingly diverse world. The institution plans to equip students with a strong ethical foundation, creating future leaders who can navigate Kenya’s social dynamics with empathy and integrity.
On the other hand, NIRU marks a groundbreaking addition to Kenya’s academic landscape as a specialized institution dedicated to national security. With Kenya facing complex security challenges, from terrorism to cyber threats, NIRU will serve as a hub for advanced research and skill development in the intelligence sector. President Ruto expressed confidence that the university’s programs would strengthen Kenya’s security by training experts in fields crucial to both national and global stability. He also encouraged NIRU to consider a wider international perspective, inviting students from the Global South to bring diverse insights into the security and intelligence fields.
The government’s focus on strengthening academic standards was reiterated as President Ruto urged the Commission for University Education (CUE) to support other institutions aiming for charter status. By bolstering quality assurance, he emphasized, Kenya could establish itself as a leader in African higher education.
Beyond education, the President also saw these universities as pathways to tackling some of Kenya’s most pressing social issues. He urged them to focus on critical concerns such as youth unemployment and urbanization, calling on both universities to equip graduates with the skills and values to drive Kenya’s transformation. “These institutions must create a generation of professionals who will shape Kenya’s future and position it as a hub of intellectual and technological advancement,” he said.
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