Kenyan legislation

The Charter to Establish Strathmore University

Edition: 2026-04-01 · In force

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SCHEDULE

WHEREAS Strathmore Educational Trust, in collaboration with Kianda Foundation Educational Trust, wish to establish an institution in the name of Strathmore University;And whereas the said Strathmore University has applied to the Commission for Higher Education, for the grant of a Charter to provide for the establishment, control, governance, and administration of the University and for connected purposes, in the manner prescribed by the Universities Act;And whereas the Commission for Higher Education has visited and inspected the said institution, and is satisfied that the objects of Strathmore University are consistent with the advancement of the university education in Kenya;And whereas the Commission for Higher Education is also satisfied that Strathmore University has complied with the provisions of the Act, and the Universities Rules, 1989;And whereas the Commission for Higher Education has submitted a draft Charter, the text whereof is annexed hereto, to the Cabinet Secretary for Education on the said institution, and the Cabinet Secretary is satisfied that Strathmore University be granted the Charter;And whereas the Cabinet Secretary for Education has submitted the Charter to me with recommendations thereon;And whereas I am satisfied that the granting of the Charter will be of benefit to the advancement of university education in Kenya;Now wherefore, by these presents, be it known that in exercise of the power conferred upon me by section 12 of the Universities Act (Cap. 210B), I, Mwai Kibaki, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kenya, grant the Charter annexed hereto to Strathmore University.

1. Short title

This Charter may be cited as the Strathmore University Charter.

2. Interpretation

In this Charter—"academic council" deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s.2(a);"academic staff" means employees of the University under section 28(2) of this Charter;"administrative staff" means employees of the University under section 28(3) of this Charter;“Alumni Association” means an association established under the Strathmore University Statutes and provided for under the Act;“Chancellor” means the Chancellor of the University appointed under section 10;“College” means an academic unit established as such by the Statutes;"commission" means the Commission for Higher Education under the Act;"constituent campus" deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s.2(e);"constituent college"deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s.2(f);“Council” means the Council of the University established under section 13;“Dean” means a person appointed to head a faculty, school or institute of the University as prescribed by the Statutes;“Deputy Vice-Chancellor” means the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University appointed under section 21;“faculty” means an academic unit of the University established under the Statutes;“graduate” means a person upon whom a degree or other academic award has been conferred by the University;“Identity Statement” means the identity statement elaborating the foundational principles of the University;“institute” means an institute of the University established under the Statutes;"Kianda Foundation" means the Kianda Foundation Educational Trust;"lecturer" deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s.2(k);"management board" means the management board of the University established under section 15 of this Charter;“Senate” means the Senate of the University established under section 16;“school” means a school of the University established under the Statutes;“Sponsor” means Strathmore Educational Trust and the Kianda Foundation Educational Trust;"statutes" means the Statutes made by the University Council under the Charter;“student” means a person who has been and remains registered for the purpose of obtaining a qualification of the University and includes person who is determined by the Senate to be a student;“students association” means the students association of the University established in accordance with the Act, this Charter and the Statutes;"trustees" deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s.2(n);"university" means Strathmore University established under section 3 of this Charter;"university council" means the governing body of the University established under section 13 of this Charter;“University Secretary” means the University Secretary appointed under section 22;"vice-chancellor" means the Vice-Chancellor of the University appointed under section 20 of this Charter.[L.N. 60/2026, s.2]

Part II – ESTABLISHMENT, FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

3. Establishment and Incorporation of Strathmore University

(1)There is established Strathmore University.

(2)The University is a body corporate with perpetual succession and shall in its corporate name be capable of—

(a)having a common seal;

(b)suing or being sued;

(c)entering into contracts;

(d)acquiring, holding and disposing of moveable and immoveable property;

(e)doing all such other things or acts as may lawfully be done by a body corporate;

(f)appointing agents and engaging persons to perform services for the University; and

(g)having the functions and powers set out in this Charter.

(3)The University is the successor of Strathmore College and Kianda College, and subject to this Charter, all rights, duties obligations, assets and liabilities of Strathmore College and Kianda College existing at the commencement of this Charter are transferred to and vest in the University.

(4)The University shall operate as a not for profit organization.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.3]

4. Mission and Philosophy

(1)The Mission of the University shall be to provide all-round quality education through excellence in teaching, research and scholarship, in an atmosphere of freedom and responsibility, focusing on ethical service to society and cognizant that—

(a)the University shall be of Christian Catholic inspiration, which embraces an apostolic mission; and

(b)the mission of the University shall be further elaborated in the University’s Identity Statement.

(2)The Philosophy of the University shall be based on the following foundations—

(a)the University shall be a community of persons made up of students and staff who strive to seek the truth through rigorous study, research and interdisciplinary dialogue in all fields of human knowledge;

(b)the University adopts a holistic approach to the person, which includes the academic, socio-cultural and personal dimensions;

(c)the University shall be committed to promoting unity among the diversity of its staff, students, parents and the broader community in terms of culture, faith, race and nationality subject to their alignment with the values and ethos of the University;

(d)The University strives to ensure that research, teaching, learning and other university activities are based on sound academic and educational principles; and

(e)the University’s primary contribution to society is the solid, holistic education that it offers to students, thus preparing responsible, ethical, and professional citizens.

(3)[Deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s.4]

[L.N. 60/2026, s.4]

5. Objects and functions of the University

(1)The objects of the University shall be—

(a)transmission of knowledge through excellence in teaching and learning;

(b)continual contribution to the body of knowledge through research;

(c)the integration of service to society in all its activities; and

(d)advancement of the education, religious and social welfare of the residents of Kenya and the relief of poverty and distress.

(2)The functions of the University are—

(a)to develop and offer courses of instruction beyond secondary school level, and in furtherance of that function—

(i)to devise and implement academic programmes;

(ii)to conduct student attachments and internships;

(iii)to promote research and innovation; and

(iv)to provide ancillary services;

(b)to determine the qualifications and eligibility of persons from the Republic of Kenya and elsewhere for certificate, diploma, undergraduate and graduate studies at the University;

(c)to determine who may teach, what may be taught and how it may be taught in the University under the educational philosophy and objects of the University;

(d)to conduct examinations for and to grant and confer degrees, diplomas, certificates and other awards of the University;

(e)to provide adequate equipment and facilities necessary for providing a high quality education, for carrying out research and innovation, and for extracurricular activities;

(f)to maintain a record of its proceedings and provide an archive of all such records;

(g)to establish academic partnerships and linkages with other universities, research institutions and industry.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.5]

6. Powers of the University

The University may do all things necessary or convenient to be done in connection with the performance of its functions and this includes—

(a)develop and mount academic programs subject to review by the Commission;

(b)award degrees, including undergraduate, graduate, post graduate degrees, honorary degrees and any other academic award;

(c)offer training and courses of instruction consistent with its mission and objects; and

(d)establish schools, faculties, colleges and institutes within the University.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.6]

7. Conferment and grant of awards

(1)Subject to the Charter and Statutes, the University may—

(a)grant diplomas, certificates or other awards;

(b)confer degrees of Bachelor, Master and Doctor of philosophy and any other degrees as provided in the Statutes; and

(c)confer honorary degrees or academic distinction awards as prescribed in the Statutes.

(2)Subject to the Charter and Statutes, the University may revoke, withdraw or cancel a certificate, diploma, degree or an award already conferred, granted or awarded to a person.

[L.N. 60/2026, s. 7]

8. Instruments of Authority

(1)The University shall possess the following instruments of Authority—

(a)the common seal;

(b)the mace; and

(c)the logo.

(2)The common seal of the University shall be kept in such custody and used only as the Council shall direct.

(3)The common seal of the University is to be authenticated by the signature of the Chairperson of the Council or the Vice-Chancellor and other person duly authorized by the Council.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.8]

Part III – MEMBERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE OF THE UNIVERSITY

9. Members of the University

The members of the University shall be—

(a)the Chancellor;

(b)the members of the Council;

(c)the Vice-Chancellor;

(d)the Deputy Vice-Chancellors;

(e)the University Secretary;

(f)the Principals of Colleges;

(g)the members of the Senate;

(h)the Deans or Directors of Faculties, Schools or Institutes;

(i)the Dean of Students;

(j)the staff of the University;

(k)the Librarian;

(l)the chaplain;

(m)the students;

(n)the Alumni; and

(o)such other members of the University as the Council may determine from time to time.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.9]

10. The Chancellor

(1)The University shall have a Chancellor who shall be appointed by the Sponsor in accordance with the Statutes.

(2)The Chancellor—

(a)shall be the titular head of the University and shall, in the name of the University, confer degrees and grant diplomas, certificates or other awards of the University;

(b)may, from time to time, recommend to the Sponsors a visitation of the University; and

(c)may, from time to time give advice to the Council which the Chancellor considers necessary for the betterment of the University.

(3)The Chancellor shall enjoy such privileges and powers and perform such functions as may be necessary to attain the object of the University as set out in this Charter and in the Statutes.

(4)The functions of the Chancellor under subsection (2) may, in the absence and incapacity of the Chancellor, be performed by the Chairperson of the Council for a period not exceeding three months.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.10]

11. Governance

The governance of the University is vested in—

(a)the Council;

(b)the Management Board; and

(c)the Senate.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.11]

12. The Sponsor

The Sponsor shall—

(a)promote the objects of the University;

(b)support the University in raising funds for the development and benefit of the University;

(c)provide oversight on the management and financing of the University;

(d)appoint the Council;

(e)hold and safeguard the property of the University; and

(f)appoint the Chancellor.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.12]

13. The Council

(1)There is established a Council of the University which shall consist—

(a)a Chairperson, who shall be appointed by the Sponsor from among the Council members;

(b)the Vice-Chancellor, who shall be the Secretary and ex officio member;

(c)the Vice-Chairperson to be elected by the Council from among its members;

(d)two members of the Sponsor;

(e)two members nominated by the Kianda Foundation;

(f)two senior academicians, who shall not be employees of the University, with experience in higher education;

(g)two persons from the public or the private sector;

(h)the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, who shall be an ex officio member; and

(i)the University Secretary, who shall be an ex officio member.

(2)The members of the Council, except ex officio members, shall hold office in accordance with the Statutes.

(3)Upon expiry of their term, a member of the Council may be eligible for another term.

(4)The office of a member of the Council shall become vacant if the member of the Council—

(a)not being an ex officio member, resigns by notice in writing addressed to the Vice-Chancellor;

(b)is removed from office by the Sponsor or appointing authority; and

(c)is unable to perform the functions of the office due to physical or mental infirmity; or

(d)dies.

(5)Where the office of a member of the University Council becomes vacant under sub-section (4), the Vice-Chancellor shall notify the vacancy to the Sponsor.

(6)The procedure, conduct and regulation of the affairs of the Council shall be as specified by the Act and the Statutes.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.13]

14. Functions of the Council

(1)The Council shall—

(a)promote the objects of the University;

(b)appoint staff of the University;

(c)approve the establishment of Colleges, Faculties, Schools, Institutes, Departments, Divisions and Centres, or any other academic or administrative structure necessary for the achievement of the objects of the University;

(d)approve the Statutes developed for the proper functioning of the University;

(e)develop the University and ensure that the quality and integrity of academic programmes and professional courses of the University are maintained;

(f)approve the annual budget of the University;

(g)authorise the use of income and expenditure of funds outside the approved annual budget;

(h)approve, upon the recommendations of the Management Board, terms and conditions of service for employees of the University;

(i)authorize the purchase, lease or hire or acquisition and holding of any land, buildings, easements or inheritances of any tenure and any other freehold or leasehold property, and construction or provision of any buildings, works, stores, plant and things which may from time to time be deemed requisite for any, of the purposes of the University;

(j)approve, upon recommendation by the Management Board, major maintenance works, repairs and alterations of any buildings, works, stores, plant and things, which may from time to time be deemed requisite for any of the purposes of the University;

(k)receive and accept, on behalf of the University, donations, endorsements, and gifts of money, land, inheritances, stocks, shares, securities and any other asset whatsoever;

(l)borrow or raise money, after consultation with Management Board, for the purposes of the University, with or without security;

(m)undertake, execute and perform, any trusts or conditions affecting any freehold or leasehold property of any description acquired by the University;

(n)authorize the payment or application of monies or assets of the University for the purposes which may promote the objects of the University, or the payment or transfer of such money or assets to some other person;

(o)ensure that the University complies with all laws and regulations; and

(p)perform any other function as may be specified by the Statutes or delegated to it by the Sponsor.

(2)The Council may establish committees for the efficient discharge of the functions of the University.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.14]

15. The Management Board

(1)The University shall have a Management Board appointed by the Council.

(2)The membership of the Management Board shall consist —

(a)the Vice-Chancellor, who shall be the Chairperson;

(b)the Deputy Vice-Chancellors;

(c)the University Secretary;

(d)the Executive Finance Director;

(e)such other members of senior management as the Council may determine in accordance with the Statutes.

(3)The Management Board shall—

(a)propose rules and regulations to the Council for the administration of the University;

(b)be responsible for implementation of the policies of the University;

(c)manage and administer the daily operations of the affairs of the University; and

(d)any other functions as provided in the Statutes.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.15]

16. The Senate

(1)There shall be established a Senate of the University.

(2)The Senate shall—

(a)propose to the Council, through the Management Board, the academic regulatory framework of the University, including Statutes, Regulations and Policies on teaching, scholarship and research and other academic matters;

(b)oversee the implementation of the Statutes, Regulations and other academic policies;

(c)approve the design and development of academic programmes and establish the structures to implement programmes;

(d)oversee the quality and character of all academic programmes and to continuously revise or discontinue existing academic programmes;

(e)propose regulations regarding the selection, admission, retention and exclusion of students at the University;

(f)oversee the application of all rules and regulations governing the welfare, conduct and discipline of students;

(g)propose regulations on the standards of proficiency to be attained in each examination for a degree, diploma, certificate or an award of the University;

(h)approve the award of a degree, diploma or certificate or honorary degree or any other award of the University, upon satisfying itself concerning the academic standards and content of the course of study;

(i)approve the conferment of emeritus status on retiring professors of the University;

(j)recommend to the Council through the Management Board, the acquisition of necessary learning and teaching resources for University programmes;

(k)make recommendations to the Council through the Management Board concerning categorization of academic units into Colleges, Faculties, Schools, Institutes, Departments, Divisions and Centres of the University, or discontinuation or merging of such units;

(l)make regulations governing such other matters as are within its powers under this Charter, the Statutes and Regulations; and

(m)perform acts as are or may be deemed connected to the exercise of all or part of its functions.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.16]

17. [Deleted by L.N 60/2026, s.17]

18. [Deleted by L.N 60/2026, s.18]

Part IV – ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY

19. Officers of the University

(1)The University is to have principal and senior officers with authority, in the name of the University, to perform the functions conferred or imposed on the University under this Charter.

(2)The principal officers are—

(a)the Vice-Chancellor;

(b)the Deputy Vice-Chancellors;

(c)the University Secretary; and

(d)principals of constituent Colleges.

(3)The senior officers are—

(a)deans of faculties, schools and institutes;

(b)the University librarian;

(c)the Dean of students;

(d)registrars; and

(e)officers of equivalent grade.[L.N. 60/2026, s.19]

20. Vice-Chancellor

(1)There shall be a Vice-Chancellor of the University who shall be appointed by the Council.

(2)The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed on such terms and conditions of service as shall be specified in the Statutes.

(3)The Vice-Chancellor shall—

(a)be the academic and administrative head of the University;

(b)have the overall responsibility for the direction, organization, administration and programmes of the University;

(c)have such responsibilities and duties as may be provided in the Statutes; and

(d)shall perform such other functions as may be assigned or delegated by the Council from time to time.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.20]

21. The Deputy Vice-Chancellors

(1)There shall be Deputy Vice-Chancellors of the University who shall be appointed by the Council on such terms and conditions of service as the Council shall determine.

(2)The Deputy Vice-Chancellors shall be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for academic and administrative matters of the University.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.21]

22. The University Secretary

(1)There shall be a University Secretary who shall be appointed by the Council on such terms and conditions as the Council shall determine.

(2)The University Secretary shall be responsible for all the administrative and financial operations of the University.

(3)The University Secretary shall be the Secretary to the Management Board.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.22]

23. [Deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s. 23]

24. [Deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s. 24]

25. [Deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s. 25]

26. [Deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s. 26]

27. [Deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s. 27]

28. [Deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s. 28]

29. Student association

(1)There shall be a student association of the University which shall be governed by the students' council.

(2)The student council shall be elected by the students of the University.

(3)The student council shall represent the student community and act as the forum through which students may express their views.

(4)The students’ council shall operate under the general guidance of the University, as may be specified by the Statutes.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.29]

30. The Alumni Association

(1)There shall be an Alumni Association of the University.

(2)The Alumni Association shall comprise of graduates of—

(a)the University;

(b)the Strathmore Institute;

(c)the former Kianda College;

(d)the former Strathmore College; and

(e)such other persons, as may be declared to be Alumni by the Council.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.30]

31. Performance of Duties during the incapacity of the Vice-Chancellor and other Senior Officers

(1)In the event of the incapacity or absence of the Vice-Chancellor, the functions of the Vice-Chancellor are to be performed by—

(a)a Deputy Vice-Chancellor; or

(b)the University Secretary,

as the Statutes may prescribe.

(2)Deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s.31.

(3)Deleted by L.N. 60/2026, s.31.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.31]

Part V – FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

32. Financial Year and Budget

(1)The Financial Year of the University is the period of twelve (12) months commencing and ending as prescribed by the Statutes.

(2)In the event of any change in the Financial Year, and for the purposes of the transition from the old Financial Year to the new Financial Year, because of this change, the transitional period, whether more or less than twelve (12) months, is regarded as a Financial Year for the purposes of this Charter

(3)The Vice-Chancellor is to submit a proposed Budget to the University Council two months before the start of the Financial Year.

(4)The Vice-Chancellor shall submit Quarterly Financial Reports to the University Council within the Financial Year.

33. Accounts and Audit

(1)The Management Board shall cause all proper books and records of account of the income, expenditure and assets of the University to be kept.

(2)A firm of External Auditors appointed by the University Council is to audit the accounts of the University.

(3)The Management Board shall submit the accounts of the University to the Auditors within a period specified by the Statutes from the end of every Financial Year.

(4)Within a period specified by the Statutes, the External Auditors shall report on the examination and audit of the accounts of the University to the University Council.

(5)The external auditors shall report on the examination and audit of the accounts of the University to the Council, within a period specified by the Statutes.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.32]

34. Funds and Resources

Funds and Resources of the University may be derived from—

(1)tuition and other fees;

(2)donations and grants;

(3)endowments;

(4)gifts and trusts;

(5)income from auxiliary activities such as consultancy; and

(6)other sources as the University may from time to time identify.

Part VI – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

35. Statutes

(1)The affairs of the University are to be managed and regulated under Statutes and Regulations made.

(2)Statutes may from time to time be enacted, amended or revoked by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of all the members present and entitled to vote at a University Council meeting specifically convened for that purpose, unless the enactment, amendment or revocation is ultra vires the provisions of the Charter.

(3)Any proposed enactment, amendment, variation or revocation of statutes shall be made in consultation with the Sponsor.

[L.N. 60/2026, s.33]

36. Protection of Name

(1)Despite the provisions of any other written law, no public officer performing the functions relating to the registration of companies or business names is to accept for the registration any name that includes the word "STRATHMORE" together with the word "University" or "College".

(2)A person shall not use the name of the University as established by this Charter for the purposes of—

(a)advertisement;

(b)publication;

(c)business;

(d)trade; or

(e)profession,

without the consent of the University Council.

37. Dissolution

Subject to the provisions of this Charter, if on the winding up or the dissolution of the University, there shall remain, after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any funds, assets and property, are to be transferred to Sponsor.[L.N. 60/2026, s.34]

Source: Kenya Law · Imported 4 October 2026