President Ruto awards charter to Uzima University
President William Ruto awarded a charter to Uzima University, becoming the 30th private university to be accredited in Kenya.
He presented the charter to the higher learning institution at a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ruto stated that the award of this charter aligns with the government’s long-term goal of expanding access to quality university education.
“As a government, we recognise that our aspirations for inclusive development and equitable wealth creation are anchored in a strong education sector which is essential for developing the required human capital and fostering research and innovation,” he said.
Further, the head of stated stated that the government is going to provide a grant of Ksh100 million to Uzima University to further the training of the much-needed health personnel in Kenya
He said the university’s collaboration with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and six counties, including Kisumu, Vihiga, Siaya, Homa Bay, Bungoma, and Kakamega, has enhanced clinical placements, providing students with practical, high-quality and locally relevant training.
On his part, Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, said the Government envisions an ecosystem where both public and private universities thrive and complement one another, in addition to a meaningful contribution to national development.
“Award of charters is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at building a differentiated and globally competitive university education system. The government has prioritised alignment of higher education with economic access through several interventions, mainly outlined in the Presidential working party on education reforms,” the CS said.
The event was attended by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and other political leaders from the Nyanza region, as well as Archbishop Emeritus Zacchaeus Okoth, the founder of the institution.
Uzima University
Uzima University began its academic journey on August 27, 2012, by admitting its first cohort of 21 students pursuing degrees in Medicine, Surgery, and Nursing.
Archbishop Okoth, motivated by the pain and challenges faced by the region’s population, founded the institution to address the dire need for medical services and expertise in Africa.
Uzima University positions itself as a beacon of excellence in medical education and research, dedicated to training knowledgeable, morally upright, and innovative healthcare professionals.
Awarding a university a charter is a formal recognition by a governing body that the university meets certain standards and requirements.
A charter means the institution has been granted the legal right to operate as a university, including the power to confer degrees, diplomas, and certificates
