Amref International University (AMIU) reached a historic milestone on 19th November 2025 during a landmark ceremony at its Northlands Campus in Ruiru. The University received its Charter and formally installed Mrs. Tsitsi Masiyiwa as Chancellor. The event brought together national leaders, global partners, faculty, alumni, and students in a celebration of academic excellence, institutional growth, and the strengthening of Africa’s health workforce.
Award of Charter: Recognition of Excellence and a New Level of Autonomy
The award of the Charter affirmed AMIU’s academic quality and its commitment to producing skilled, ethical, and community-centered health professionals. The recognition enables the University to expand programs, strengthen research, and deepen community partnerships across Africa.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migosi, applauded AMIU’s milestone and acknowledged its increasing role in national and continental development. “With this Charter, AMIU is now positioned to play an even greater role in providing education and training that responds to the real health needs of Kenya, Africa, and the world,” he said. “This is a crucial step toward strengthening the health sector both locally and globally.”
His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto presided over the ceremony and commended AMIU’s leadership in health sciences education. “Today, we honor an institution that has stood at the heart of public and community health,” he said. “AMIU has shown that African institutions can shape African solutions. This Charter signals an important step toward strengthening the health workforce needed for Universal Health Coverage.”
University leaders highlighted the growth that has prepared AMIU for this moment. The institution now offers 78 academic programs and serves more than 3,800 students from 32 countries. Over the years, AMIU has trained more than 271 primary healthcare workers who now contribute to health leadership across the continent.
Leadership Reflections on AMIU’s Growth
The Chairman of Commission for University Education (CUE), Prof. James Onyango Awino, congratulated the University and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting institutions that demonstrate strong quality standards and relevance in their training. He noted that AMIU’s focus on primary healthcare, community health, and health systems leadership aligns closely with national priorities and the needs of African health systems.
A Vision for the Future: Installation of the Chancellor
A second highlight of the day was the installation of Mrs. Tsitsi Masiyiwa as Chancellor of AMIU. A respected philanthropist and co-founder of the Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies, she brings decades of leadership in education, youth empowerment, and health access.
In her remarks, she shared her vision for the University and its role in shaping future health leaders. “AMIU represents the future of Africa’s health systems,” she said. “It is here that the next generation of ethical, skilled, and community-centered professionals will be developed.” She encouraged the University community to embrace innovation, service, and collaboration, noting that “every student who passes through AMIU carries the responsibility to serve with integrity and uplift the communities they represent.”
Her leadership is expected to strengthen AMIU’s partnerships, research efforts, and academic growth as the University enters a new phase of development.
Perspective from Amref Health Africa Leadership
Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, reflected on the importance of the milestone within the organisation’s larger mission. He noted how AMIU grew from a vision rooted in community health to an institution preparing leaders for national and global challenges.
“AMIU is the embodiment of Amref’s six-decade commitment to health equity,” he said. “From training midwives in remote villages to now shaping thinkers, researchers, and innovators, AMIU has evolved to meet Africa’s health needs with African-led solutions. This Charter and Chancellor installation are catalysts for even greater impact.”
Showcasing Innovation in Learning
During the ceremony, President Ruto toured AMIU’s multi-modal learning space, a modern environment designed to provide flexible, interactive, and inclusive instruction. The technology-enabled classroom integrates on-site and remote learning, ensuring that students can access high-quality training regardless of their location.
The multi-modal space reflects AMIU’s long-standing emphasis on practical, community-based learning and innovation. It also draws on Amref Health Africa’s mission to expand access to quality healthcare by empowering health workers with relevant and up-to-date skills.
Looking Ahead: A Shared Commitment to Growth and Leadership
As AMIU enters a new chapter, its leadership outlined strategic priorities that will guide future growth. These include expanding academic programs, strengthening digital learning pathways, deepening research, and establishing the Level 6 Amref University Hospital as a regional hub for clinical training and excellence.
The events of 19 November signified more than institutional milestones. They reflected a collective commitment to shaping a healthier future for Africa through education, innovation, and community-centered leadership.
A Defining Moment for the Community
The double milestones were more than ceremonial check boxes. They represented a collective commitment to excellence, innovation, and service to African communities. Students, staff, alumni, and partners celebrated a transformative moment that signalled AMIU’s readiness to deepen its contribution to health education and systems strengthening across the continent.
With renewed autonomy, a growing community, and visionary leadership, AMIU is now poised to redefine what health sciences education and amplify its impact across the continent.
Written by: Angela Gichimu
