President William Ruto has reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s research and innovation landscape.

Ruto made the assurance when he presided over the award of a charter to AMREF International University in Kiambu County on Wednesday November 19.

He noted that the government is scaling up investment in scientific research through the newly established Kenya National Research Fund (NRF).

According to President Ruto, the fund aims at prioritizing investments in critical sectors including agriculture, health, manufacturing and climate change. Sectors he described as “key pillars for Kenya’s long-term socio-economic transformation.”

He further affirmed that universities that align their research strategies with national development priorities, will receive support to help expand their work and deliver solutions with real community impacts.

He applauded the AMREF International University for prioritizing public health training and its contribution to developing a skilled workforce for the continent.

The institution has a student population of 3,800 from 32 different countries, with women making up 70 percent of the total, a statistic which Ruto described as the University’s commitment to promoting women’s leadership within the health sector.

“AMREF International University has shown that African Challenges can be addressed through African solutions”, he said.

With the Charter award, the institution has gained full university status which enables it to expand its academic programmes, attract more research partnerships and also strengthen its role in shaping health policy and practice in the entire region.