Kenya’s President William Ruto has called upon institutions of higher learning to embrace innovation and emerging technologies to make education more accessible and affordable to students, assuring that the government will support universities in offering online learning.
The president was speaking at the charter award ceremony for Tangaza University and Management University of Africa at State House Nairobi. During the ceremony, Prof Edward Etengu and Dr Reuben Musyoka Mutiso were installed as Chancellors of Tangaza University and Management University of Africa, respectively.
In his address, President Ruto highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to enrich the country’s human resources and promote inclusivity in knowledge society. He urged, “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.”
The president noted the progress of the 100,000km fibre optic network project across the country, which is expected to bolster online learning, e-commerce, and digital job opportunities.
Recognising the major role of higher learning institutions in economic transformation, President Ruto noted that “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,” he stated.
With the charter award to Tangaza University and Management University of Africa, Kenya now boasts 64 chartered universities.
President Ruto also highlighted the global competitiveness of Kenya’s workforce resulting from investments in education, which attracts investors, supports the service sector, and sustains diaspora contributions.
Addressing concerns about integrity in higher education, President Ruto directed the Commission for Higher Education to uphold the highest standards and intensify efforts against fake university degrees and certificates. “We are going to be firm in ensuring that only the qualifications acquired from recognised institutions will be accepted,” he declared.
Regarding university funding, the president outlined a new model aimed at addressing gaps in government sponsorship programs. This model prioritises scholarship allocation for students from vulnerable backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity and equitable access to education.
Also present at the ceremony, Kenya’s Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, reiterated the government’s commitment to tertiary and university education development, emphasizing the rigorous standards and regulations upheld by the Commission for University Education in chartering institutions like Tangaza University and Management University of Africa.
Source: President of the Republic of Kenya
By Derrick Kafui Deti – Digital Economy Magazine