Kenyan President William Ruto has urged higher learning institutions to embrace innovation and emerging technologies to improve access to affordable education.
President Ruto, who made the call during the charter award ceremony for Tangaza University and Management University of Africa at State House in Nairobi, expressed the government’s readiness to support universities that offer online and virtual learning platforms.
He said this move would not only enhance the country’s human resources but also contribute to building an inclusive knowledge society.
“We must continue striving to meet the ever-growing demand for higher education, focusing on elevating those at the bottom of the social and economic pyramid through access to quality education,” he said.
President Ruto shared the progress of the 100,000km fibre optic network project across the country, while explaining its role in supporting online learning, e-commerce, and digital employment opportunities.
He explained that higher learning institutions play a critical role in the country’s economic transformation, which aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda aimed at driving rapid economic growth and enhancing workforce productivity.
“Today, we stand united under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, a bold initiative that leverages our human resources to spur rapid economic growth and enhance the productivity of our labour force,” Ruto said.
With the chartering of the two private universities, Kenya now boasts 64 chartered universities, solidifying its position as a regional higher education hub.
“This reaffirms our commitment to practical applied learning that prepares leaders across all sectors,” he added.
President Ruto also addressed the importance of integrity in higher education. He tasked the country’s Commission for Higher Education to uphold the highest standards and combat fake degrees and certificates rigorously.
“Education has enabled Kenya to secure global opportunities as evidenced by the record diaspora remittances of KSh671 billion last year, surpassing traditional exports,” he explained.
“The Commission for Higher Education has an almost sacrosanct mandate to ensure that our education, a tool for sharpening our most important resource, our human capital, meets the best standards possible,” he stated.
Also present at the occasion was Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu. The CS restated the government’s commitment to supporting tertiary and university education.
At the event, Prof Edward Etengu and Dr Reuben Musyoka Mutiso were instated as the Chancellors of Tangaza University and Management University of Africa, respectively.