President William Ruto has granted Kamagambo University a Letter of Interim Authority, allowing the institution to begin operations and admit students to three degree programmes.
The new university, based in Migori County, has been admitted into Kenya’s higher-education system following approval by the Commission for University Education.
Speaking during the issuance of the authority in Kisumu, President Ruto said the institution had made significant progress but would need to meet strict standards before it could receive a full university charter.
Under the interim authority, Kamagambo University can establish its governing structures, develop academic resources and, subject to approval by the Commission for University Education, admit students to three programmes.
They are a Bachelor of Education in Arts, a Bachelor of Arts in Theology with Entrepreneurship, and a Bachelor of Business Administration with Entrepreneurship.
President Ruto said the word “interim” was important, describing the approval as a starting point rather than the completion of the university’s journey.
He urged the institution to demonstrate academic integrity, sound governance and high standards as it works towards a full charter.
Kamagambo has a long history of education in the region, dating back to an Adventist mission established in 1912. It later developed into a teacher-training institution whose graduates served in schools across Kenya.
It becomes the third private university established by the Adventist Church in Kenya, after the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton and the Adventist University of Africa in Ongata Rongai.
President Ruto said the institution’s history provided a strong foundation but warned that its future would depend on its performance.
He also called on universities to focus more strongly on research, innovation and entrepreneurship as the country seeks to create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
Kenya’s higher-education sector has expanded significantly since the University of Nairobi became the country’s first national university in 1970.
WWith the addition of Kamagambo, the number of institutions authorised to operate as universities rises to 90, according to the president.
The Commission for University Education recorded about 630,000 students pursuing degree programmes in 2024, while nearly 124,000 students graduated that year.
But Ruto said increased access to higher education must be matched by quality and relevance.
He said universities should prepare graduates not only to compete for employment but also to create businesses and develop solutions to challenges facing sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, housing, technology and renewable energy.
“A country that continually imports knowledge will continually import solutions,” he said, arguing that Kenya should become a country that produces, applies and exports knowledge.
The president also called for closer cooperation between universities, industry and government, saying research should move beyond academic publications and contribute directly to farms, classrooms, clinics, factories and businesses.
Kamagambo University has placed entrepreneurship at the centre of two of its three initial degree programmes.
Ruto urged the university to ensure that commitment is reflected in practical training, including exposure to businesses, markets and product development.
He also called on the institution to remain closely connected to Migori County and the wider Lake Region by directing its teaching and research towards local and national challenges.
The president urged the university’s leadership to prioritise academic excellence and develop its initial programmes carefully before seeking further expansion.
He also called on residents of Migori and the wider Nyanza region to support the institution while holding it accountable to high standards.
The Letter of Interim Authority marks the beginning of Kamagambo University’s transition into a fully operational university.
“Its ability to secure a full charter will depend on its governance, academic standards, resources and performance,” Ruto said.
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