These are the seven universities to be awarded charters by President Uhuru

Kepher Otieno Thu 06th Oct 2016

President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to award charters to seven university colleges tomorrow.

The Standard learnt the institutions set to receive the charters at State House, Nairobi, are Rongo University College, Co-operative University College of Kenya, Murang'a University College and Taita Taveta University College.

Others are the Kenya Assemblies of God's East Africa School of Theology and Embu University College.

Rongo University College Principal Prof Samwel Gudu confirmed the planned visit to State for the awards.

"We'll be happy to be awarded the charters and we will work hard to promote literacy in Kenya. We will work to ensure universities foster holistic development of the youth," Prof Gudu said yesterday.

Both public and private universities have, over the last five years, witnessed an unprecedented increase in enrollment. Student population in Rongo University has, for instance, grown from 1,300 at its inauguration in 2012 to 6,345 currently.

Sources said the universities had written to the President to visit them and award the charters.

However, Presidential orderlies chose to have the universities awarded the charters jointly at State House instead because the Head of State does not have the time.

Apart from university officials, selected students, parents and leaders are expected to attend the function.

For instance, Rongo University delegation will include area MP Dalmas Otieno who has been championing for its elevation.  The MP was also instrumental in the establishment of the university.

This will bring chartered public and private universities to 47. Kenya has 70 accredited universities and there are plans to upgrade more to increase access to higher education.