At a charter‑grant ceremony for International Leadership University (ILU) in State House Nairobi, President William Ruto urged universities and technical institutes to align courses with societal challenges and evolving industry demands.

Ruto stressed that the true measure of education should be graduates’ ability to apply knowledge, create opportunities and contribute to national development, rather than merely holding certificates.

Citing the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, he warned that 39 % of workers’ skills could become outdated by 2030, making it urgent for institutions to embed critical thinking, creativity and practical competence.

The President highlighted the need for digital proficiency, urging universities to teach computer use, internet access, data analysis and artificial‑intelligence applications to enable Kenyan professionals to compete globally.

A major priority, Ruto said, is strengthening university‑industry links through practical training, internships and structured partnerships, with the government planning to expand the National Internship Programme to 50,000 students from January 2027.

He announced that within 24 hours of advertising the 50,000 paid internship slots, 150,000 young people had already applied, indicating strong demand for such opportunities.

Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogambo echoed the call, urging universities to gauge success by teaching quality, research value and tangible contributions to Kenya’s challenges.

ILU Chancellor Kivutha Kibwana thanked the government for guidance toward full university status and called for leadership training to be embedded across curricula.