Bomet University Secures Full Charter Status

Bomet University has officially taken its place among Kenya’s fully accredited universities after President William Ruto awarded it a full charter, marking a major milestone in the institution’s academic journey and the expansion of higher education in the counties.

The charter was conferred during a State House ceremony on Wednesday under Section 19 of the Universities Act, granting the institution full autonomy to manage its academic, administrative and financial affairs.

The achievement caps an eight-year journey that began in 2017, when the university 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 policy of ensuring at least one university in every county to widen access to higher education.

Widely recognised as Kenya’s premier green university, Bomet University has distinguished itself by embedding environmental sustainability at the heart of its mission.

The institution has spearheaded conservation efforts, including large-scale tree-planting programmes in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service and Equity Bank, in support of the national tree restoration agenda.

The university currently serves 8,777 students and is supported by a workforce of 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.

Academically, 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 the classroom, the institution has gained national recognition for student-driven innovations designed to address everyday challenges.

Notable projects include a smart shoe for the visually impaired, a modern sealing board, and a sprout inhibitor aimed at enhancing food security.

Following a comprehensive evaluation that confirmed compliance with all statutory requirements, the Commission for University Education recommended the institution for a charter — the highest level of university accreditation in Kenya.

Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok described the charter as a transformative moment for both the university and the county.

“It has been quite a journey — from a small constituent college of Moi University in 2017 to 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 institution’s academic growth but also strengthens its mandate to expand programmes, deepen research and contribute to sustainable development.

Kenya currently has about 67 fully chartered universities, comprising approximately 38 public and 29 private institutions, with another 13 institutions at various stages of accreditation.

With its new status, Bomet University now stands as a symbol of progress, innovation and environmental stewardship as the country continues to broaden access to quality higher education.