President William Ruto has disclosed that the recent closure of universities across the country was the direct outcome of the planned government move to restore quality, accountability, and sustainability within Kenya’s higher education sector.

Speaking during the awarding of granting of a full charter to Gretsa University, Ruto explained that the  University would have preferred to receive government-sponsored students, but the government had overcommitted in the past, creating financial strain for many institutions.

Ruto cited an example of a university that shut down after using all its resources to train students placed there by the government, only for the state to fail to release the required funding due to limited resources.

I know Gretsa would have wanted to have some government-sponsored students. But I don’t have very good news for you, I have to straighten the space because we overcommitted ourselves as the government and we actually brought a lot of problems to many universities,” he said.

“I know of one University that had closed down because the government sent students to that University, they spent all the money they had to train and teach the students, and then the government did not come through because we had limited resources.”

Ruto noted that while the decision was a tough one, it was necessary to safeguard students from substandard training and preserve the integrity of Kenya’s university system.

“So we’re trying to cut our cloth to the size of what we can afford, but progressively, I know that we will find a good partnership as we expand the space that will not undermine your ability to teach but will also give us space to train more and teach more.”

“I’m sure the experts in my team and all the other people in that space and the stakeholders will begin to imagine how we’re going to do this, and I’m very particular about the matter of education because as a country, the biggest asset we have is our human capital,” he added.

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Gretsa University Awarded Full Charter

Ruto applauded Gretsa University for its consistency in academic growth and responsible management since welcoming its first degree cohort in 2006.

Having produced more than 8,500 graduates so far, and 13 previous graduation ceremonies.

The institution has now become the 31st private university to receive a full charter.

“Gretsa University stands as compelling evidence that collaboration between government and private stakeholders delivers results,” he said.

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Ruto Urges Institutions to Embrace AI and CBET Transition

The President has challenged the universities to prepare for the transition to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) as the first cohort is set to join the institutions in 2029.

He encouraged universities to implement new pedagogies, strengthen research, and embrace Artificial Intelligence following the launch of the Kenya National AI Strategy 2025-2030.

“Strong Universities build a powerful nation.

The future of Kenya depends on institutions that equip graduates to innovate, to create jobs, and drive our industrialisation agenda,” he said.

Ruto congratulated the University’s leadership; founders, Chancellor Kibathi Mbugua, Vice-Chancellor Peter Ndichu Karanja, staff, and alumni of Gretsa University described the charter as a testament to their vision and commitment to excellence.

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President William Ruto poses with the Vice Chancellors of public universities at StateHouse Nairobi on September 18,2025
PHOTO/PCS