Umma University, one of Kenya’s fastest-growing private institutions of higher learning, has achieved a historic milestone with the official commissioning of the Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait Complex, a ten-storey academic facility worth Sh1.4 billion.
The modern facility, located in Kajiado County, is designed to accommodate over 10,000 students and is expected to transform the institution’s academic landscape while boosting Kenya’s reputation in higher education. The commissioning, graced by President William Ruto, reflects the government’s commitment to expanding education infrastructure and preparing students for a future driven by technology, innovation, and skills.
A State-of-the-Art Facility
The new Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait Complex is among the most advanced university buildings in Kenya. It features learning, recreational, and administrative facilities that will improve both student and staff experiences.
| Facility | Capacity/Details |
|---|---|
| Classrooms | 81 modern lecture halls with ICT integration |
| Laboratories | 6 science & technology labs for practical training |
| Exam Hall | 650 seats to streamline student assessment |
| Auditorium | 416 seats for lectures & cultural events |
| Multipurpose Hall | 400 seats for sports & student activities |
| Gymnasium | Fully equipped to promote student wellness |
| Student & Conference Centre | Space for leadership, academic & social activities |
| Faculty Offices | 10 staff offices & 3 boardrooms for governance |
Vice Chancellor Dr. Halima Saado Abdillahi described the project as a game changer for higher education in the region, adding that it would provide opportunities for both academic excellence and holistic student development.
President Ruto’s Remarks
During the launch, President William Ruto praised Umma University’s transformation from a small college in Thika to a fully-fledged university headquartered in Kajiado.
“The University has continued to register remarkable progress in infrastructure development, in line with its vision of providing quality higher education and contributing to national development,” he said.
The President emphasized the government’s support for higher learning through:
- The Student-Centred Funding Model (SCFM), which has lowered costs for learners.
- Strengthened governance and accountability in universities.
- Restructured financing to ensure sustainability of both private and public institutions.
According to Ruto, investments like Umma University’s new complex will empower Kenya to produce graduates who are not only employable but also creators of jobs, innovators, and leaders.
For context, this aligns with broader government efforts to reform education, such as those highlighted in the State House teachers’ meeting in 2025, where the President underscored the role of education in Kenya’s economic vision.
Expanding Academic Programmes
With the expanded infrastructure, Umma University is planning to launch new courses to respond to Kenya’s evolving job market.
Planned New Programmes:
- Health Sciences
- Engineering
- Technology
These will complement existing flagship programmes in:
- Islamic Studies
- Business
- Education
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- Social Sciences
Dr. Abdillahi noted that these new courses are aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the Africa Agenda 2063, and global workforce demands. Graduates will leave better equipped to work in health, innovation, and engineering sectors—fields where Kenya faces critical skills gaps.
Support from Founders and Partners
The Direct Aid Society, Umma University’s founding sponsor, fully funded the construction of the new facility. Chancellor Dr. Abbas Gullet expressed gratitude to the partners, particularly acknowledging the Ministry of Education for enabling the university’s growth over the last 15 years.
He noted that the institution stands out as a centre of excellence that integrates Islamic moral values with modern academic standards. This makes Umma University a unique and influential player in Kenya’s diverse higher education sector.
Kenya’s Expanding Higher Education Landscape
Kenya currently boasts 64 fully accredited universities and an additional 15 institutions awaiting approval, according to the Commission for University Education (CUE). The expansion of facilities such as the Sh1.4B Umma University complex reflects the country’s push to keep up with rising student enrolment.
This development comes at a time when teacher deployment and education access remain hotly debated, particularly in regions such as North Eastern Kenya. In fact, the challenges teachers face in hardship areas like Garissa and Wajir mirror the importance of investing in education infrastructure nationwide.
Boost for Kajiado County
Beyond academics, the new facility will significantly impact Kajiado County’s economy and community. With over 10,000 students expected to use the facility, demand for housing, food, transport, and other services will rise. This means local businesses, landlords, and suppliers will benefit directly.
Additionally, the university will create job opportunities for lecturers, researchers, administrative staff, and service providers. The county’s profile as an academic hub will also attract more development projects.
A Future-Focused Vision
Umma University’s long-term vision is to become a continental leader in higher education. The Sh1.4B investment is part of a broader strategy to provide cutting-edge facilities and ensure students have access to resources that enable innovation, leadership, and social responsibility.
Dr. Abdillahi summed up the university’s mission:
“The new complex is not just about expanding facilities. It’s about giving our students the environment, tools, and opportunities to innovate, to lead, and to make a meaningful impact in society.”
This aligns with the government’s wider reforms in higher education, including teacher recruitment and funding policies. For example, in line with President Ruto’s remarks on P1 teacher employment, infrastructure investments are part of ensuring that every learner, from primary to tertiary, has access to quality education.
Conclusion
The commissioning of the Sh1.4 billion Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait Complex is more than just an expansion of Umma University—it is a milestone for Kenya’s higher education system. It shows the power of collaboration between private sponsors, government, and universities in shaping the future of learning.
For students, it promises world-class facilities and better learning opportunities. For Kajiado County, it signals growth and economic opportunities. For Kenya, it reinforces the nation’s commitment to becoming a knowledge-based economy.
As the country continues to debate teacher reforms, funding models, and student welfare, developments like these remind us that investment in education is the most sustainable path to prosperity. Kenya is not only building infrastructure but also laying the foundation for generations of innovators and leaders.
