NIS-Owned College Becomes Kenya’s Second Specialized University After Charter Approval

National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU) has been granted a university charter, marking its transition into a fully-fledged specialized institution.

The charter was awarded by President William Ruto, making NIRU Kenya’s second specialized university and the first on the African continent dedicated entirely to intelligence education.

In a statement on Tuesday, February 17, the university confirmed the milestone and its broader significance to the country’s security and academic landscape.

"President William Ruto awarded NIRU its charter, officially establishing it as Kenya’s second specialized university and the first on the African continent dedicated entirely to intelligence education," the institution said.

NIRU said the development highlights a deliberate effort to professionalize intelligence training and enhance national preparedness through advanced learning and research.

"This milestone reflects a firm commitment to strengthening the education of our intelligence professionals and community; and stands as a bold pledge to safeguard our nation’s future through knowledge, research, and strategic leadership," the institution added.

NIRU Vice-Chancellor James Kibon highlighted the university’s research-driven focus, particularly in emerging technologies and applied innovation.

"Research and innovation are at the core of NIRU’s strategic mandate. The Artificial Intelligence Academy leverages AI to address security and health challenges, and a Research and Innovation Park is being established to translate academic research into practical solutions," he said.

Kibon also outlined the academic programs currently offered and those in the pipeline as the institution expands its postgraduate portfolio.

"Currently, NIRU offers four master's programs in Intelligence, Policy, Technology, and Communication Studies. The university is also seeking accreditation for a doctorate program in Security and Strategic Studies, along with three other master's programs in Leadership and Strategic Studies: Leadership and National Security, Counter-Terrorism and Strategic Studies, and Biosecurity," he added.

This comes a month after the Commission for University Education (CUE) released a list of public and private universities authorized to operate in Kenya.

In a notice on Tuesday, January 20, CUE noted that 35 public universities and 31 private universities are approved to offer university education in the country.

The commission also stated it has authorized 16 specialized degree-awarding institutions, as well as institutions operating under letters of interim authority.

Approved public universities include University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, Jomo Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Masinde Muliro University, Dedan Kimathi University, Chuka University, Technical University of Kenya, Technical University of Mombasa, Pwani University, Kisii University, University of Eldoret, and Masaai Mara University.

Others are Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Laikipia University, South Eastern Kenya University, Meru University, Multimedia University, University of Kabianga, Karatina University, Kibabii University, Rongo University, Co-operative University, Taita Taveta University, Murang’a University, University of Embu, Machakos University, Kirinyaga University, Garissa University, Alupe University, Kaimosi Friends University, Tom Mboya University, and Tharaka University.

On the other hand, approved private universities are: University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Daystar University, Scott Christian University, United States International University, Africa Nazarene University, Kenya Methodist University, St. Paul’s University, Pan Africa Christian University, Strathmore University, Kabarak University, and Mount Kenya University.

CUE has also approved the Africa International University, Kenya Highlands Evangelical University, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, KCA University, Adventist University of Africa, KAG EAST University, Umma University, Presbyterian University of East Africa, and Aga Khan University.

Others are Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology, The East African University, Zetech University, Lukenya University, Management University of Africa, Tangaza University, Islamic University of Kenya, Riara University, Uzima University, Gretsa University, and Amref International University.

Specialized Degree-Awarding Universities approved by the commission include the National Defence University of Kenya, the Open University of Kenya, and the National Intelligence Research University.

Meanwhile, Public University Constituent Colleges are Turkana University College, Bomet University College, Koitaleel Samoei University College, Mama Ngina University College, Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Nyandarua University College, Kabarnet University College, and Makueni University College.