By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
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Kenya, 5 November 2026 - President William Ruto on Thursday awarded a charter to the International Leadership University, giving the institution the powers and mandate to advance higher education in Kenya, the region and the world.
“I am satisfied that the granting of a charter to the International Leadership University will be of benefit to advancing higher education in Kenya,” President Ruto said during the colourful ceremony at the State House, Nairobi.
The President cited the Universities Act, Cap 210 of the Laws of Kenya. The Charter is the highest achievement an institution of higher learning can get in Kenya.
This comes to fruition after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba submitted the charter to President Ruto for consideration.
Justice Daniel Musinga is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, while Prof Timothy Kiruhi is the Vice Chancellor. Charles Njoroge is the Executive Officer, and former Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana is the Chancellor.
"Our university has matured since 1980," Prof Kibwana said.
On the charter, Prof Kibwana said "it is among the most consequential milestones any institution of higher learning can achieve".
The charter sets out the university’s vision, mission and governance structure.
The university was also presented with a mace, a symbol of its authority.
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It is committed to leadership and humanity, and its logo features a hand holding a flame, or torch, representing humanity and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.
The university was also handed a seal, which the administration will use to sign its official documents.
The accreditation report will remain a key guide to the programmes offered by the university.
Students were urged to use the knowledge and skills they acquire at the university to serve humanity and transform society.
Top management of the institution pledged to treat the charter not as an entitlement but as a binding covenant to stay true to its mandate and accountability.
The university has stayed afloat over the last six years, keeping within its operational costs and managing to service its debts.