Africa-Press – Kenya. 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, joking about the famed creativity of “Mulot boys” while challenging the institution to anchor its future on innovation, relevance and excellence.
Ruto said the chartering of the varsity was part of the government’s broader commitment to bring institutions of higher learning closer to Kenyans, expand choice and reduce barriers to access to university education.
“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 impact of this policy was already evident.
He said national university enrollment grew by 12 per cent last year, a clear signal that more young Kenyans were embracing higher education as a pathway to opportunity.
The President urged universities to deepen 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 joked about the region’s reputation for ingenuity.
“I know the people around Bomet are great innovators,” he said, before adding with a smile, “I know there are some people around Mulot, very creative people.”
The remark, delivered in good humour, underscored his broader point on the need for universities to tap into local talent and ideas.
Ruto said he hoped Bomet University would provide a platform for such creativity to be channelled into useful and progressive innovations that can help drive the country into the future.
“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.
Ruto said Bomet County was richly endowed with agricultural potential, environmental assets and youthful energy, resources he said should shape the university’s academic focus and research agenda.
“Again, I say this out of experience, you will know when you are in Bomet,” he said, drawing applause from leaders and guests at State House.
The President challenged the university to work closely with the county government and development partners to harness these strengths for both the acquisition and application of knowledge.
“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 build strong and impactful programmes in agriculture, environmental management and health, areas he said were critical not only to Bomet County but to national development.
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 and capping years of planning, growth and institutional development.
Several leaders Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, JSC vice chairperson Isaac Rutto and Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok attended the ceremony.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrive Inyangala were also present.
