President William Ruto on Tuesday struck a light-hearted tone as he presided over the award of a charter to Bomet University at State House, Nairobi, joking about the famed creativity of “Mulot boys” while challenging the institution to anchor its future on innovation, relevance and academic excellence.
Ruto said the chartering of the university was part of the government’s broader commitment to decentralising higher education, expanding choice and reducing barriers to access for Kenyan students.
“As government, we are determined to bring institutions of higher learning closer to Kenyans, expand choice and reduce barriers to access,” the President said, noting that the policy was already bearing fruit.
He revealed that national university enrolment grew by 12 per cent last year, a development he said signalled growing confidence among young Kenyans in higher education as a pathway to opportunity.
The President urged universities to strengthen partnerships with industry, communities and international institutions to ensure learning remains practical, relevant and forward-looking.
“As Bomet University begins this new chapter, I challenge its leadership — the chair of council and the vice chancellor who are here — to define a strong and distinctive academic identity grounded in excellence, relevance and innovation,” Ruto said.
Drawing laughter from the audience, the President referenced the region’s reputation for ingenuity.
“I know the people around Bomet are great innovators,” he said, adding with a smile, “I know there are some people around Mulot, very creative people.”
The remark, delivered in good humour, underscored his broader call for universities to tap into local talent and ideas.
Ruto expressed hope that Bomet University would provide a platform to channel such creativity into meaningful innovations that can contribute to national development.
“I wish that this university can provide them with a platform to channel their creativity and innovation into useful, progressive innovations that can assist us to move the country forward,” he said.
He noted that Bomet County is richly endowed with agricultural potential, environmental assets and a youthful population, resources he said should inform the university’s academic focus and research agenda.
“Again, I say this out of experience — you will know when you are in Bomet,” the President said, drawing applause from leaders and guests at State House.
Ruto challenged the university to work closely with the county government and development partners to harness these strengths for both knowledge creation and practical application.
“I expect the university to harness this energy, to work closely with the county government and development partners, and to use these resources for the progress of society,” he said.
He specifically called on the institution to develop strong and impactful programmes in agriculture, environmental management and health, areas he said were critical not only to Bomet County but to the country’s broader development agenda.
The award of the charter elevates Bomet University from a constituent college established in 2017 to a fully-fledged public university, marking a major milestone in the county’s educational journey after years of planning and institutional growth.
The ceremony was attended by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Judicial Service Commission Vice Chairperson Isaac Rutto and Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala were also present.
