President William Ruto has pledged to personally sponsor five students at International Leadership University (ILU) every year for the next ten years, a commitment that would support 50 students if it runs its full course.

Ruto made the announcement on Thursday 5 November 2026 during the award of a university charter to ILU at State House, Nairobi, where he linked the decision to his longstanding relationship with Life Ministry, the organisation behind the university.

"For the next, God willing, 10 years, I will sponsor five students. Five students every year," the President said.

Ruto stressed that the offer was entirely his own initiative and had not been requested by the university or its sponsoring organisation.

"The team has not asked me for what I am saying, so there's an offer I am making because I have a history with the sponsor of this institution, and I know that it is worthy of my support and partnership," he said.

He said he would discuss with the university's Vice-Chancellor which academic programmes the sponsorship would cover, with the courses to be in line with the institution's guiding principles and areas of focus.

The President did not disclose the amount set aside for the programme, the criteria for selecting beneficiaries, or whether the support would cover full tuition and other university expenses. Those details are to be settled in consultations between the President and the university's Vice-Chancellor.

The charter, granted under the Universities Act, formally recognises ILU as a fully chartered university. It was presented alongside a ceremonial mace and an official seal.

ILU's Chancellor is former Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana, its Vice-Chancellor is Prof Timothy Kiruhi, and Justice Daniel Musinga chairs its Board of Trustees. The university, which integrates academic excellence, leadership development and Christian values, traces its origins to 1980 as the Nairobi International School of Theology.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba attended the ceremony at State House.