Kamagambo University has officially received a Letter of Interim Authority, allowing the institution to operate as a university while developing the academic and institutional structures required to eventually qualify for a full charter.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba presented the authority at Kisumu State Lodge on September 15 following a recommendation from the Commission for University Education (CUE). The development makes Kamagambo Kenya's 90th authorised university and expands higher education opportunities in the Nyanza region.
Located near the border of Migori and Kisii counties, Kamagambo becomes the third private university established by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kenya, joining the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton and the Adventist University of Africa in Ongata Rongai.
While welcoming the institution into Kenya's university system, Ogamba challenged its leadership to prioritise academic quality rather than rapidly increasing student numbers. He said the university's long-term reputation would depend on the quality of its graduates, research and contribution to the surrounding communities and national economy.
The university has identified entrepreneurship as an important component of its initial academic programmes. The Education CS, however, encouraged Kamagambo to progressively strengthen its focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics alongside applied sciences, digital technologies, ethical artificial intelligence, modern agriculture and green engineering.
The institution is also entering the higher education sector at a time when Kenyan universities are preparing for students emerging from the Competency-Based Education system. The first major cohort is expected to reach university from 2029, placing pressure on institutions to rethink traditional teaching approaches and invest in academic, technological and physical capacity.
President William Ruto, who attended the event, similarly challenged Kamagambo University to build its reputation around the quality and relevance of its graduates. He said universities should prepare students to address economic and social challenges rather than concentrating solely on awarding qualifications.
Ruto particularly highlighted areas including agriculture, healthcare, housing, the digital economy and renewable energy as sectors requiring highly skilled graduates and greater innovation. He also called for closer interaction between students and businesses so learners can develop ideas, understand markets and gain practical experience before completing their studies.
The President urged the university to train strong teachers capable of supporting competency-based education, principled theologians and business graduates who can contribute to enterprises, cooperatives and value chains.
The Letter of Interim Authority represents an important milestone rather than the end of Kamagambo's accreditation journey. The university will now be expected to continue developing its governance structures, academic programmes, faculty, infrastructure, research capabilities and quality-assurance systems as it works towards full chartered status.
For the wider Nyanza region, the institution could provide additional opportunities for higher education, research and entrepreneurship while contributing to regional development. Its long-term impact, however, will ultimately depend on the academic standards it establishes as it grows.
The government has challenged Kamagambo to pursue expansion carefully, building a strong academic foundation before significantly increasing enrolment or the number of programmes it offers.
