‘Very Creative People!’ Ruto Jokes About ‘Mulot Boys’ Urges Bomet University to Embrace Innovation

President William Ruto during the award of a charter to Bomet University at State House, Nairobi, on February 4, 2026/PCS

President William Ruto on Tuesday struck a light-hearted tone as he presided over the award of a charter to Bomet University at State House, Nairobi, joking about the famed creativity of “Mulot boys” while urging the institution to prioritise innovation.

The President said the chartering of Bomet University was part of the government’s broader plan to take institutions of higher learning closer to the people, expand choice, and lower barriers to university education across the country.

“As government, we are determined to bring institutions of higher learning closer to Kenyans, expand choice and reduce barriers to access,” Ruto said, adding that the impact of the policy was already visible.

Ruto noted that national university enrolment grew by 12 per cent last year, which he said showed that more young Kenyans were embracing higher education as a pathway to opportunity and economic mobility.

He challenged universities to strengthen partnerships with industry, local communities, and international institutions to ensure learning remains practical, relevant, and aligned with future workforce needs.

“As Bomet University begins this new chapter, I challenge its leadership to define a strong and distinctive academic identity grounded in excellence, relevance and innovation,” the President said.

Drawing laughter from leaders and guests, Ruto joked about the region’s reputation for ingenuity, singling out Mulot as a hub of creativity.

“I know the people around Bomet are great innovators. I know there are some people around Mulot, very creative people,” he said.

The President said he hoped the university would provide a platform for local talent to translate creativity into practical and progressive innovations that could help drive national development.

“I wish that this university can provide them with a platform to channel their creativity and innovation into useful, progressive innovations that can assist us to move the country forward,” Ruto said.

He described Bomet County as richly endowed with agricultural potential, environmental resources, and youthful energy, urging the institution to align its academic focus and research agenda with these strengths.

“Again, I say this out of experience, you will know when you are in Bomet,” Ruto added, drawing applause.

The Head of State called on the university to work closely with the county government and development partners to harness these resources for both knowledge creation and application.

“I expect the university to harness this energy, work closely with the county government and development partners, and use these resources for the progress of society,” he said.

Ruto specifically urged Bomet University to build strong programmes in agriculture, environmental management, and health, sectors he said were critical to both county and national development.

The award of the charter elevates Bomet University from a constituent college established in 2017 to a fully-fledged public university, marking a major milestone in the county’s education journey.

The ceremony was attended by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, JSC vice chairperson Isaac Rutto, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, and Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala.