NAIROBI, Kenya — Amref International University (AMIU) has marked a historic milestone after receiving its official Charter, granting the institution full accreditation and autonomy as a premier health sciences university in Africa. The ceremony also saw the installation of philanthropist Tsitsi Masiyiwa as the new Chancellor, ushering in a new era of leadership and continental influence.

Presiding over the event, President Dr. William Samoei Ruto hailed AMIU as “a national asset,” emphasizing that the Charter reflects Kenya’s commitment to strengthening African-led solutions for the continent’s health challenges.

“AMIU’s Charter reflects our shared belief in the power of African solutions for African health challenges,” President Ruto said. “Institutions like AMIU will build the workforce needed to deliver Universal Health Coverage and drive primary healthcare reform.”

Founded in 2017, AMIU currently offers 78 academic programs and hosts over 3,800 students from 32 African countries. More than 271 primary healthcare workers have already graduated from its programs, contributing to health leadership across the continent.

Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, described the Charter as a continuation of a decades-long legacy.

“AMIU is the embodiment of Amref’s six-decade commitment to health equity,” he said. “This Charter and Chancellor installation are catalysts for even greater impact.”

Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migosi also praised the milestone, noting that AMIU is now positioned to influence health education not only in Kenya but across Africa and globally.

Tsitsi Masiyiwa, a globally respected philanthropist and co-founder of the Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies, was formally installed as AMIU’s new Chancellor.

“AMIU represents the future of Africa’s health systems,” she said. “I am honored to serve as Chancellor at this transformative moment. This is where the next generation of ethical, skilled, and community-centered health professionals will be nurtured.”

Her leadership will focus on strengthening AMIU’s competency-based training, advancing community-driven research, and expanding partnerships that reinforce Africa’s healthcare systems.

Her husband, Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Executive Chairman of Econet Group, celebrated the moment in a public message:
“Please join me in congratulating my wife who today was installed as Chancellor of Amref International University. AMIU is training tomorrow’s ‘health heroes’. Salute!”

As a Pan-African institution rooted in Amref’s 60-year public health legacy, AMIU integrates classroom learning with community-based practice and digital education. The university plays a key role in advancing health equity, leading the Africa Health Collaborative, and shaping the continent’s future health workforce.

The Charter and new chancellorship mark AMIU’s rise as one of Africa’s most influential institutions in health sciences education—poised to drive innovation, leadership, and transformation in healthcare systems across the continent.