President Ruto Awards Kamagambo University Letter of Interim Authority at State House Lodge, Kisumu

 President William Samoei Ruto has awarded Kamagambo University a Letter of Interim Authority at State House Lodge in Kisumu County, marking a major milestone in the expansion of higher education access in Migori County and the Lake Region.

The award of the Letter of Interim Authority paves the way for Kamagambo University to begin admitting students as it works towards attaining a full Charter. The institution is expected to create opportunities for young people in Migori County and the entire country to pursue higher education while training teachers, entrepreneurs and professionals needed to drive Kenya’s transformation.

Speaking during the ceremony at the State House Lodge in Kisumu, President Ruto said the establishment of the university is part of the government’s deliberate agenda to expand access to university education and bring higher learning closer to communities that have historically been underserved.

The President noted that Kamagambo University will play a critical role in building human capital, particularly in the education sector, by training competent teachers, as well as nurturing entrepreneurs and professionals equipped to contribute to the nation’s socio-economic transformation.

President Ruto urged the university management and trustees to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, sound governance, prudent stewardship and quality as the institution embarks on its journey towards full accreditation.

“We urge the university management and trustees to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, sound governance, prudent stewardship and quality as the institution works towards attaining a full Charter,” the President said.

He emphasized that quality must remain at the center of university growth, noting that Kenya must not only expand access but also ensure that institutions produce graduates who are competitive, innovative and ready for the job market.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforming higher education through policy and legislative interventions.

“To expand access to higher education, we are reforming student placement and financing through the Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026, to ensure that every qualified student can pursue higher education regardless of their background,” he stated.

The proposed Bill seeks to overhaul the current university funding model and placement system to make it more equitable, needs-based, and responsive to the demands of a growing student population. The government says the reforms will ensure that no qualified student is locked out of university due to financial constraints.

The award of the Letter of Interim Authority to Kamagambo University comes amid ongoing efforts by the government to establish more universities and constituent colleges across the country, particularly in counties that have not had a fully-fledged public or private university.

Leaders from Migori County who attended the ceremony welcomed the move, saying the university will boost the local economy, create jobs, and offer hope to thousands of Form Four leavers from the region who have had to travel long distances to access university education.

Once fully operational, Kamagambo University is expected to offer programs in education, business, theology, agriculture, and technology, among other fields critical to Kenya’s development agenda.