Riara University Receives Charter

Riara University Receives Charter

On Wednesday, President William Ruto of Kenya presented a charter to Riara University during a ceremony at State House, attended by the university’s founders, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, and other dignitaries.

The university had been operating under a Letter of Interim Authority granted by the Commission for University Education (CUE) since August 2, 2012.

Ruto praised the founders, Daniel and Eddah Gachukia, for their achievements, stating that they deserved this recognition. He expressed his happiness at being part of the university’s history, sharing that he arrived on time for the event but was informed it could not start without the Gachukias. He humorously remarked that with age, one can get away with certain things, and insisted that the event should not be delayed.

“I am very proud to have played a small role in your history by being part of this honor and signing this charter,” he said.

Ruto assured that the government would provide support to the university.

In related news, the government has allocated Sh1.56 billion to university students and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees for tuition and living expenses through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), following a directive from President Ruto last Wednesday.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced on Tuesday, March 18, that HELB distributed the funds on Friday, March 15. He noted that 31,263 TVET trainees and 33,863 university students would benefit from this funding.

“On Friday, March 14, 2025, HELB disbursed Sh1.56 billion for tuition and upkeep. Beneficiary students and trainees have been informed of the disbursement through HELB’s official channels and advised to check their HELB portals,” Ogamba stated.

According to the Ministry of Education, this latest disbursement brings the total allocated for the 2024/2025 financial year to Sh32.7 billion. So far, 195,522 TVET trainees and 390,612 university students have received financial assistance.

Ogamba emphasized that this funding would ensure that students and trainees can continue their academic and training programs without interruption.

“This funding will meet the needs of students and trainees, allowing them to concentrate on their studies without financial worries,” he said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting higher education by ensuring timely financial assistance to students and trainees pursuing their academic and training objectives.