NAIROBI, Kenya – Bomet University has officially joined Kenya’s list of fully accredited universities after receiving a full charter from President William Ruto, a landmark achievement that cements its place in the country’s higher education landscape.
The charter was awarded during a State House ceremony on Wednesday, held under Section 19 of the Universities Act, formally granting the institution full autonomy to govern its academic, administrative and financial affairs.
The milestone marks the culmination of an eight-year journey that began in 2017, when the institution was established as a constituent college of Moi University through Legal Notice No. 145 of July 27, 2017.
Its elevation aligns with the government’s long-standing policy of expanding access to higher education by establishing at least one university in every county.
Widely recognised as Kenya’s premier green university, Bomet University has embedded environmental sustainability into its core mission.
The institution has championed conservation initiatives, including large-scale tree planting programmes in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Equity Bank, supporting the national tree-growing and restoration agenda.
Currently, the university serves 8,777 students supported by 156 academic and non-academic staff. It operates from two campuses — the main campus in Bomet town and the Sigor School of Pure and Applied Sciences.
Bomet University offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across four schools: Education; Business and Economics; Pure and Applied Sciences; and Arts and Social Sciences.
Beyond academics, the institution has gained national attention for student-led innovations aimed at solving everyday challenges.
These include a smart shoe for the visually impaired, a modern sealing board, and a sprout inhibitor designed to enhance food security.
After confirming that the university had met all statutory requirements, the Commission for University Education (CUE) recommended it for charter award — the highest level of accreditation for universities in Kenya.
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok hailed the achievement as transformative for both the institution and the county.
“It has been quite a journey. From a small constituent college of Moi University in 2017 to now a fully fledged university,” Governor Barchok said. “As the only green university in Sub-Saharan Africa, Bomet University has put the county on the international map.”
The charter not only recognises the university’s academic growth but also strengthens its mandate to expand programmes, deepen research, and drive sustainable development.
Kenya currently has about 67 fully chartered universities, comprising approximately 38 public and 29 private institutions. A further 13 institutions remain at various stages of accreditation.
With its new status, Bomet University now stands as a symbol of progress, innovation and environmental stewardship as Kenya continues to broaden access to quality higher education.
