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President William Ruto has officially granted a charter to Uzima University, elevating the Kisumu-based institution to full university status and bringing the total number of chartered universities in Kenya to 68.
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A university charter is a formal endorsement that recognizes an institution’s ability to meet set academic and administrative standards, granting it the legal authority to offer degree, diploma, and certificate programs.
The charter was awarded during a ceremony held at State House on Thursday, May 8, attended by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and other Nyanza region leaders. Also present were Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Archbishop Emeritus Zacchaeus Okoth, the university’s founder.
President Ruto used the occasion to emphasize the government’s ongoing education sector reforms, aimed at expanding access, improving infrastructure, addressing funding gaps, enhancing curriculum quality, and promoting research and innovation.
“Education is a critical pillar for inclusive development and shared prosperity, as it builds the human capital needed to drive innovation and growth,” Ruto said.
Governor Nyong’o hailed the milestone as a “historic moment” for Kisumu and the Nyanza region, adding on X that he was proud to witness it alongside Raila Odinga.
Founded in 2012, Uzima University admitted its first batch of 21 students in Medicine, Surgery, and Nursing. The institution was established by Archbishop Okoth to address the acute healthcare and training needs of the region and continent.
Uzima has since grown into a center of excellence in medical education and research, dedicated to developing competent, ethical, and innovative health professionals.
With its new charter, Uzima University joins the ranks of fully accredited institutions like the Islamic University of Kenya, the National Intelligence Research University, Management University of Africa, Tangaza University, and Riara University.
