President William Ruto when he presided over the award of charter to Gretsa University at State House, Nairobi, on November 17, 2025/PCS
President William Ruto when he presided over the award of charter to Gretsa University at State House, Nairobi, on November 17, 2025/PCSPresident William Ruto has called on universities across the country to accelerate the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teaching, research, and institutional management.
Ruto said technology is rapidly shaping the future as Kenya deepens its digital transformation.
Speaking during the award of a full charter to Gretsa University, the President said Kenya is positioning itself as a regional leader in AI adoption through the recently launched National AI Strategy 2025–2030.
He described the strategy as a comprehensive framework that promotes responsible AI governance, supports integration across key sectors, and nurtures a robust local AI ecosystem.
“AI is redefining the future, and our institutions of higher learning must be at the forefront of this transformation,” Ruto said.
“Research and innovation must remain the foundation of our universities. Institutions must bridge the gap between theory and practice so that their graduates become job-creators, innovators, and central actors in Kenya’s industrialisation and economic growth.”
President William Ruto when he presided over the award of charter to Gretsa University at State House, Nairobi, on November 17, 2025/PCS
He said the policy is crucial in strengthening access, flexibility, and the digital readiness of learners.
Emphasising the role of private universities in the country’s education landscape, the President said they play a critical role in widening access and offering industry-aligned programmes that enrich the dynamism of Kenya’s higher education ecosystem.
“Private universities widen access, introduce flexible and industry-aligned programmes, and enrich the diversity and dynamism of our higher education system,” he noted.
Gretsa University, which admitted its first cohort of degree students in 2006, was lauded for what the President described as “steady and impressive growth.”
Over the years, the institution has expanded its academic programmes, strengthened its research capacity, and contributed significantly to national development.
To date, Gretsa has held 13 graduation ceremonies and produced more than 8,500 graduates across degree, diploma, and certificate programmes.
With the conferment of its full charter, Gretsa becomes the 31st private university to attain this status, underscoring the expanding contribution of privately run institutions to Kenya’s human-capital development.
“The award of this charter is, above all, a celebration of partnership—government and private sector working together to ensure high standards, broaden opportunities, and train graduates who contribute meaningfully to national progress,” Ruto said.
He added that Kenya’s higher education sector continues to experience significant growth, with the country now boasting 82 accredited universities—45 public and 37 private—as of 2025.
Gretsa University’s elevation to a fully chartered institution, Ruto said, is a compelling demonstration that collaboration, innovation, and commitment to quality can deliver transformative results for the country’s education landscape.
