President William Ruto has officially granted a charter to AMREF International University, marking a major milestone in the institution’s growth and positioning it as a fully accredited university with expanded powers to teach, examine, and award its own degrees.
Speaking during the charter-award ceremony in Kiambu County, President Ruto said the elevation of AMREF International University reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education through institutions that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and strong community impact.
A university charter is the highest legal instrument conferred by the State, granting full autonomy in governance, academic programs, quality assurance, and institutional expansion.
With this recognition, AMREF International University now gains the authority to develop new programs, intensify research work, and collaborate more broadly with national and international partners.
President Ruto noted that the university’s strong health focus—training over 3,800 students from 32 countries—made it a deserving candidate for charter status.
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He praised its heavy representation of women learners, who constitute 70% of the student body, saying the institution is shaping the next generation of women leaders in health and development.
The Head of State commended AMREF International University for staying close to community needs and prioritizing solutions for Africa’s health challenges.
He added that the university’s elevation should inspire other institutions to pursue excellence, innovation, and relevance in their academic offerings
The President also linked the charter to the government’s broader agenda of enhancing science, research, and innovation.
He reiterated that the newly introduced Kenya National Research Fund will support universities that align their research with national priorities such as health, agriculture, manufacturing, and climate resilience.
“AMREF International University has proved that African challenges can be solved by African solutions,” President Ruto said, emphasizing that the institution is now better positioned—under its new charter—to scale up its regional and global impact.
By Kithinji Njeru
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