President Ruto Awards Charters to Islamic University of Kenya (IUK) & NIRU.
President William Ruto has officially granted charters to the National Intelligence Research University and the Islamic University of Kenya.
This move has raised Kenya’s total number of chartered universities to 66. The ceremony took place at State House, Nairobi, where the president underscored the role of higher education in driving societal development.
The National Intelligence Research University became the second specialized security-focused university after the National Defence University of Kenya (NDU-K) in Lanet, Nakuru County.
Operating under Legal Notice Number 96 of 2021, it has functioned as a constituent college of NDU-K and emphasizes intelligence research and the study of intricate security threats.
The Islamic University of Kenya, a private institution located in Kisaju along the Nairobi-Namanga Highway, also received its charter.
The university, with branches in Nairobi and Mombasa, currently serves 612 students and has aspirations for significant growth and program expansion.
Presidential Remarks on Higher Education
President Ruto highlighted that university charters represent a firm commitment to societal progress through research and innovation.
He emphasized the need for excellence in teaching and research, calling on the two institutions to address national challenges such as youth unemployment and urbanization.
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The president stated that institutions like these are instrumental in positioning Kenya as a regional hub for intellectual and technological advancement.
He encouraged them to use their unique areas of specialization to tackle pressing issues, including health and urban challenges.
Ruto also stressed the importance of universities collaborating closely with industries to equip graduates, especially in engineering, with skills critical for national development.
In light of growing security concerns, the establishment of the National Intelligence Research University is timely. President Ruto emphasized the university’s role in strengthening the nation’s capacity to confront threats like terrorism and cyber-attacks.
He underscored the necessity for its programs to align with national security strategies and contribute to Kenya’s ambitions in the digital economy.
The president expressed optimism about the over 27,000 students enrolled in engineering courses across the country, noting their potential impact on sustainable development.
He urged a partnership between academia and industry to ensure these graduates are adequately prepared for the job market.
Commitment to High Standards
President Ruto reiterated the need for rigorous oversight by the Commission for University Education to uphold high academic standards across Kenyan universities.
He called on the newly chartered institutions to maintain ethical values and strive for academic excellence, affirming that education should be a transformative force in society.
The Islamic University of Kenya was also praised for its potential to foster community solidarity. The president encouraged the university to promote tolerance and prepare professionals dedicated to social justice.
He pointed out that the institution’s diverse environment would cultivate ethical leadership and strengthen societal bonds.
Expanding Programs at the Islamic University of Kenya
Ayyub Chesula, Head of Marketing at the Islamic University of Kenya (IUK), described the charter as a pivotal milestone that will expand the university’s credibility and capacity for growth.
The charter allows IUK to independently create and accredit new academic programs, enhancing its reputation and reach.
Chesula announced the university’s plans to extend its academic offerings. Presently, IUK has faculties of Education and Arts, Business and Economics, and Islamic Sharia and Islamic Studies.
It recently launched a Faculty of Informatics and Technology and aims to introduce Nursing, Allied Health, Law, and Medicine programs next year.
He noted that the university is preparing for a surge in student applications, driven by a broader range of courses designed to meet the demands of the modern job market. With the charter, IUK is set to offer a wider variety of professional and short-term courses.
Summary Table: Key Developments at the Islamic University of Kenya
| Current Faculties | Planned New Faculties |
|---|---|
| Education and Arts | Nursing |
| Business and Economics | Allied Health |
| Islamic Sharia and Islamic Studies | Law |
| Informatics and Technology (launched) | Medicine |
Chesula emphasized the institution’s readiness to cater to its current student population, providing comprehensive support services and ensuring a conducive learning environment.
The charter, he said, will enhance IUK’s ability to address contemporary challenges and position itself as a fully accredited academic institution.
President Ruto Awards Charters to Islamic University of Kenya (IUK) & NIRU.
