- Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology has hosted a Commission for University Education inspection as it seeks university accreditation.
- The institution plans to introduce degree programmes in engineering, computing, business, agriculture and the built environment.
- If approved, RIAT will become Kenya’s newest public university and expand higher education opportunities in the Lake Region.
Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT) has moved a step closer to attaining full university status after hosting an inspection team from the Commission for University Education (CUE), one of the final stages in the accreditation process.
RIAT currently operates as a public middle-level Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution under the TVET Act, 2013.
The institution has more than 4,200 students enrolled across nine academic departments, including Building and Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Information Communication Technology. It is also ISO 9001:2015 certified and was previously recognised among Kenya’s centres of excellence in technology training through a partnership between the Government of Kenya and the Netherlands.
The bid for university status gathered momentum in June 2025 when President William Ruto pledged government support for RIAT’s elevation to a fully-fledged university.
The commitment followed consultations between the President and Kisumu County leaders led by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o on regional development priorities.
A task force chaired by former Maseno University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Julius Nyabundi was subsequently established to oversee the transition process.
The team has been developing governance structures, academic programmes, quality assurance systems and institutional policies required to satisfy CUE accreditation standards.
Inspection and proposed programmes
The recent CUE inspection evaluated RIAT’s academic, administrative and infrastructural capacity to offer degree programmes.
During the visit, Dr. Calvin Otieno of the School of Computing and Informatics presented the institution’s academic vision on behalf of Prof. Nyabundi, outlining RIAT’s readiness to launch university programmes.
Among the proposed flagship programmes are Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering with Information Technology, Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Information Technology, Architecture with Information Technology, Construction Management with Information Technology, Urban and Regional Planning with Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering with Information Technology, Telecommunication and Information Systems Engineering, and Agricultural Engineering with Information Technology.
The institution also plans to establish degree programmes in Computing and Informatics, Biological and Physical Sciences, Business and Economics, Agriculture and Animal Science, among other disciplines.
Following a proven path
If accredited, RIAT will follow a path previously taken by institutions mentored by Maseno University.
Tom Mboya University College was established as a constituent college of Maseno University before receiving its charter in 2022 to become Tom Mboya University.
Similarly, Bondo University College, established under Maseno University in 2009, received its charter in 2013 and became Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).
RIAT now awaits the Commission for University Education’s evaluation and recommendations, which will determine whether it satisfies the statutory requirements for university accreditation.
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If successful, the institution will become Kenya’s newest public university, joining the expanding higher education landscape in the Lake Region alongside institutions such as Uzima University, which received its charter in 2025.
By Benedict Aoya
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