President William Ruto has challenged universities to take charge of Kenya’s transition into an AI-driven economic future, saying the country’s long-term prosperity now hinges on institutions that can convert technological innovation into measurable national productivity.
He emphasised that the institutions of higher learning must urgently reimagine their role in a world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping not only learning, but industry, governance, and global competitiveness.
Speaking during the award of a full charter to Gretsa University, the President said Kenya has already made significant strides in digital transformation, but universities must now accelerate the integration of AI into teaching, research, and institutional management.
He noted that technology is no longer a support tool — it is quickly becoming the core driver of economic growth in modern economies.
“AI is redefining the future, and our institutions of higher learning must be at the forefront of this transformation,” Ruto said.
He stressed that universities must intentionally shift away from purely theoretical learning models and embrace innovation-driven approaches that prepare students to become job creators, problem-solvers, and active participants in Kenya’s industrialisation journey.
At the centre of this shift is the newly launched National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030, which the President described as a comprehensive blueprint for responsible and transformative AI adoption.
The strategy seeks to strengthen governance, empower research institutions, stimulate homegrown tech solutions, and support integration of AI across sectors such as agriculture, finance, healthcare, security, and public administration.
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Ruto said universities are uniquely placed to drive this agenda because they are the birthplace of research, creativity, and commercially viable innovation.
He urged institutions to deepen partnerships with industry, government, and global tech leaders to accelerate the development of local AI talent.
The President also highlighted the growing importance of private universities in Kenya’s higher education landscape, saying they play an essential role in widening access, introducing flexible learning pathways, and offering industry-aligned programmes that strengthen the dynamism of the sector.
He praised Gretsa University — which admitted its first degree cohort in 2006 — for its steady expansion, enhanced research capacity, and meaningful contributions to national development.
With the conferment of its full charter, Gretsa becomes the 31st private university to attain this status, adding to Kenya’s expanding network of 82 accredited universities.
Ruto said such growth must now translate into technological leadership, arguing that the institutions hold the key to nurturing a workforce capable of powering Kenya’s AI-driven economic revolution.
By Kithinji Njeru
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