KAJIADO COUNTY — President William Ruto has urged universities to embrace a new vision for higher education, one that produces graduates who are not only skilled but also ethical and prepared to meet the demands of a changing world.
Speaking at Umma University in Kajiado County on Monday, the president said his administration’s reforms were designed to restore financial stability to public universities while widening access for students from diverse backgrounds.
“We are empowering institutions of higher learning to shape a new generation of graduates — skilled, ethical, and innovative — ready to create jobs, advance technology, and tackle the pressing challenges of our time,” Mr Ruto told the gathering.
Central to the changes is the Student-Centred Funding Model, introduced last year, which channels support directly to learners instead of institutions. Officials say the policy has reduced tuition fees for thousands of students and helped stabilise university finances.
At Umma University, the president commissioned the Dr Abdulrahman Al-Sumait Complex, a Sh1.4 billion, 10-storey building designed to serve more than 10,000 students. He also presided over the groundbreaking for Phase III of the School of Engineering, which will expand training in technical fields.
Education experts say such investments are urgently needed. Universities across Kenya have struggled with debt, shrinking budgets, and falling enrolment in recent years. The government argues that reforms will not only safeguard the sector’s future but also strengthen its role in national development.
For students and staff at Umma University, the day carried a sense of possibility. “This is more than just a building,” said one lecturer. “It signals confidence in the future of our young people and the value of education in this country.”
The projects in Kajiado, officials added, are part of a broader effort to position Kenyan universities as drivers of innovation and industry, equipping graduates with the skills to compete both locally and globally.
About the Author
