Remarks · 17 November 2025
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Today is a landmark occasion not only for Gretsa University, but also for our nation’s continuing journey toward excellence in higher education. Education is far more than the transmission of knowledge; it is the engine that shapes thinkers, innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers who secure Kenya’s future.
In this mission, private universities occupy a critical place. They widen access, introduce flexible and industry-aligned programmes, and enrich the diversity and dynamism of our higher education ecosystem.
Since welcoming its first cohort of degree students in 2006, Gretsa University has demonstrated steady and impressive growth in academic stature, the breadth of its programmes, and its contribution to national development.
To date, the institution has hosted 13 graduation ceremonies and produced more than 8,500 graduates in degree, diploma, and certificate programmes. These men and women are now distinguished contributors to Kenya and the world, underscoring Gretsa’s commitment to quality, relevance, and service.
This milestone aligns with the broader transformation of university education in Kenya. As of 2025, our country boasts 82 accredited universities, 45 public and 37 private.
With today’s ceremony, Gretsa becomes the 31st private university to receive a full charter, further reinforcing the central role private institutions play in expanding access and cultivating work-ready graduates.
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. Gretsa University stands as compelling evidence that collaboration delivers results.
In 2029, universities will admit the first cohort of CompetencyBased Education and Training graduates. The government is fully committed to ensuring that institutions, curricula, and faculty are ready. Universities must therefore embrace new pedagogies, practical learning models, staff retooling, and lifelong learning to make this transition successful.
As we venture further into the digital era, Artificial Intelligence is redefining the future. Kenya has launched the National AI Strategy 2025-2030, placing our nation at the forefront of AI research, innovation, and application in the region. This strategy supports responsible governance, integrates AI into key sectors, and fosters a vibrant local AI ecosystem.
I urge all universities to integrate AI into their teaching, research, and institutional operations. I commend the Ministry of Education for developing a national ODeL policy that will guide structured, high-quality online learning across our universities.
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.
To the founders, Chancellor Kibathi Mbugua, Vice-Chancellor Peter Ndichu Karanja, and the entire leadership, staff, students, and alumni: Thank you for your dedication and integrity. Under Dr Mbugua’s visionary leadership and Dr Karanja’s dynamic stewardship, Gretsa has upheld its promise of excellence, relevance, and service.
To the students of Gretsa University, seize every opportunity. Learn with intention. Nurture your talent, sharpen your curiosity, and prepare yourselves to lead, innovate, and solve the challenges of tomorrow. Your education is the anchor upon which Kenya’s future will stand.
Strong universities build strong communities, strong industries, and a strong nation. By equipping learners with skills, values, and knowledge, institutions like Gretsa fuel our national transformation and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Congratulations to Gretsa University. You now join the distinguished ranks of Kenya’s fully chartered private universities, a testament to your vision, progress, and promise. May your future be defined by academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and graduates of character who illuminate our nation. I thank you. ###