President William Samoei Ruto has, this morning, presided over the award of a university Charter to Bomet University College, making it the 36th Public Chartered University in Kenya.

The ceremony, which took place at State House, was attended by the University’s Council led by its Chair Prof. John Shiundu, Vice Chancellor Prof. Charles Mutai, Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok, among other dignitaries.

In his address, President Ruto congratulated the institution for the milestone, adding that he was a witness to how it started from humble beginnings as a constituent college of Moi University and has grown in leaps and bounds to merit the award of the university charter, today.

“This is a historic day for the academic community and the people of Bomet. Though rooted in the South Rift region, the mission and impact of this institution will advance far beyond Geography serving the nation, the East African community, the Continent and, I believe, one day, the global community”, Said the president.

The president pledged his unconditional support to the university to ensure that it gets all the facilities it requires to achieve its goals. He made it clear that the Bomet IAAF stadium that was formerly owned by the County Government of Bomet was now a property of the university adding that his administration will work closely with the county administration to build another stadium, elsewhere.

Following the award of the charter, Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok also took the earliest opportunity to congratulate the University fraternity and the people of Bomet on the elevation of the college to a fully fledged university.

“Congratulations BUC for being awarded this charter. You have nurtured scholars, impacted lives, transformed Bomet town and as the only Green university in Sub Saharan Africa, you have cut your niche and put Bomet County on the International map. We are so proud of you”, Said the Governor.

Governor Barchok added that his administration will work closely with the University’s administration led by VC Prof. Charles Mutai in making the university one of the best institutions of higher learning in the country.

President Ruto also promised to visit the university, soon, to celebrate the milestone with the students and to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring that BUC gets whatever it requires to excel.