President Ruto grants charter to Kisumu’s Uzima University

Uzima University in Kisumu has officially become a fully accredited institution of higher learning after being granted a university charter by President William Ruto during a ceremony held at State House on Thursday.

This development pushes the total number of chartered universities in Kenya to 68.

Uzima University now holds full legal recognition and autonomy to operate as a university, allowing it to confer degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

The charter represents formal approval that the institution has met required academic and operational standards.

The occasion was graced by several high-profile leaders, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Archbishop Emeritus Zacchaeus Okoth—the university's founder—and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba. Political leaders from across the Nyanza region were also present to witness the milestone event.

President Ruto, while presenting the charter, highlighted the government’s commitment to revamping the education system.

He stated that various reforms were being implemented to boost access to learning, improve funding, enhance infrastructure, modernize the curriculum, and raise the overall quality of training and research in the country.

"A strong education sector is essential for inclusive development and shared prosperity as we build the necessary human capital and foster research and innovation," said the President.

Uzima University was established to help fill a gap in healthcare services and training in the region.

It opened its doors to students on August 27, 2012, starting with 21 students admitted into degree programs in Medicine, Surgery, and Nursing.

Archbishop Okoth, who founded the institution, was inspired by the struggles and health challenges faced by many communities in the region.

His vision was to create a center that would produce skilled and ethical medical professionals equipped to meet the health needs of Africa.

Governor Nyong’o described the event as a major step forward for the region, sharing his joy through his X account: "Grateful to witness this milestone alongside Rt Hon Raila Odinga."

He called the recognition a "proud moment for Kisumu and Nyanza."

The university identifies itself as a center of excellence in medical education and research.

Its mission is to train morally upright, well-informed, and innovative healthcare workers who can make a positive impact both locally and globally.

Other institutions that have recently received similar charters include the Islamic University of Kenya, the National Intelligence Research University, the Management University of Africa, Tangaza University, and Riara University.

These charters are granted directly by the President and reflect a university’s readiness for autonomy and full accreditation.

With its new status, Uzima University joins the growing list of higher learning institutions that have successfully fulfilled the requirements to stand as independent, chartered universities in Kenya’s expanding academic landscape.