Hon. Julius MIGOS Ogamba

The Government is implementing a deliberate effort to balance broad access to higher education with targeted centres of excellence that advance the country’s strategic development priorities.

This morning, I was honoured to join His Excellency the President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, for the award of charters to the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) at State House, Nairobi.

KAIST and KEMRI represent a new generation of public graduate universities with highly specialized mandates. The institutions will be deliberately focused on training and advanced research in fields that are critical to Kenya’s future competitiveness.

The event was also graced by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale and the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau.

This morning, I had the honour of hosting the Governor of Samburu County, Hon. Lati Lelelit, the Chair of the Laikipia University Council, Dr. Lemein Korei and the Vice-Chancellor of Laikipia University, Prof. Kibett Rotich at the Ministry’s Jogoo House B Offices.

Among other issues, the meeting discussed the implementation of the directive by His Excellency the President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, on the establishment of a university in Samburu County.

The Government is committed to expanding access to higher education through multiple strategies, including the establishment of universities across the country, in addition to ensuring that university programmes remain affordable and that students are equitably funded.

This morning, I received His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, and his French counterpart, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, at the University of Nairobi for the official opening of the Business Forum of the Africa Forward Summit.

The two presidents reviewed the progress of the Engineering and Science Complex, funded by the French Government, before speaking at the Forum.

The Engineering and Science Complex will revitalize engineering and science education, research and innovation in Kenya by providing the physical and intellectual infrastructure for world-class training.

Today, I had the honour of participating in the bilateral discussions between Kenya and France, chaired by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto, and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, at State House Nairobi.

The discussions focused on several priority areas of bilateral cooperation, including education, agriculture, health, and sustainable development.

France remains a key partner to Kenya in the education sector, particularly in the areas of education infrastructure development, renewable energy, and digitalisation.

Earlier today, I toured the University of Nairobi to assess preparations for the Africa-Forward Summit Business Forum, which is scheduled to be hosted at the institution tomorrow.

The Business Forum will be officially opened by His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto and his French counterpart, His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron.

Kenya is the first non-Francophone country to host the Africa-Forward Summit, which seeks to deepen cooperation between France and African countries across sectors such as trade, education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.

Today, I had the honour of joining His Excellency the President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto at Maseno School in Kisumu County, to celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the establishment of the institution.

Established in 1906 with only six learners, Maseno School has grown into one of the country’s most distinguished institutions of learning, widely respected for its tradition of academic excellence, character formation, and leadership development.

Over the past 120 years, the school has nurtured generations of leaders who have made notable contributions to national development and beyond, firmly securing its place among Kenya’s enduring centres of educational excellence.

Earlier today, I conveyed the message of condolence from His Excellency the President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, to the family of the late Prof. Raphael Munavu.

The late Prof. Munavu was laid to rest at his Mbilini home in Kangundo, Machakos County.

The late Prof. Munavu was a distinguished scholar and dedicated public servant whose life’s work greatly advanced the cause of education and national development.

He was a focused education administrator who led a number of universities and education sector bodies and a reform leader whose work has left an indelible mark that will continue to inspire generations. Most recently, he served as Chairperson of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform. The recommendations by the Working Party continue to shape the implementation of Competency-Based Education.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.