Africa must chart own course in research and innovation, Prime CS Mudavadi say
Mudavadi commended the CUEA Class of 2025, describing them as the face of Africa's future, a generation with the responsibility to lead the continent's renewal through innovation and research
By OPCS Press Service in Nairobi
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, has urged African nations to take charge of their innovation and research agenda with a strong focus on empowering the youth to drive the continent’s transformation.
Speaking during the 44th Graduation Ceremony of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) held at the university’s main campus in Karen, Nairobi yesterday, Mudavadi said Africa’s sustainable growth depends on its ability to produce a new generation of innovators, researchers and leaders who are grounded in integrity and driven by purpose.
“Africa must chart its own course in innovation to navigate the rapidly changing geopolitical and geo-economic landscape,” said Mudavadi.
“Universities must stand at the forefront of this continental ambition. Without CUEA and other institutions of higher learning fully realizing their potential in research and innovation, our nation risks falling behind in the pursuit of sustainable growth and development.”
Mudavadi commended the CUEA Class of 2025, describing them as the face of Africa’s future, a generation with the responsibility to lead the continent’s renewal through innovation and research.
He said their graduation marked not only a personal milestone but also a reaffirmation of the university’s vision to nurture transformative leaders for the Church and society.
He emphasised that CUEA’s guiding motto, “Consecrate them in the Truth,” drawn from John 17:17, reflects its mission of forming leaders of integrity guided by faith and service to humanity.
“Today, I see the promise of a new generation prepared to serve with integrity, grounded in truth and faith,” he said.
The Prime CS lauded the Chancellor, Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde, the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari, the University Council, faculty, staff, parents and guardians for their contribution to shaping graduates who are not only knowledgeable but morally grounded.
He also welcomed Dr. Gerard Rooney, President of St. John Fisher University in New York, noting that partnerships between Kenyan universities and global institutions enhance research and innovation.
He thanked the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) for establishing CUEA in Kenya 41 years ago, transforming it from the Catholic Higher Institute of Eastern Africa in 1984 to a fully chartered university in 1992.
He lauded the institution’s distinguished alumni, among them Cabinet Secretaries Geoffrey Kiringa and Beatrice Askul and Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang for upholding its legacy of excellence.
Reflecting on the graduation theme, Pilgrims of Hope Consecrated to Transform Nations through Innovative Education, Mudavadi said it speaks directly to the youth, whom he described as Africa’s greatest resource. He linked the theme to the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year focus on “Pilgrims of Hope,” urging young people to become agents of positive change.
Quoting Pope Francis, he said, “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”
Mudavadi reaffirmed that the government of Kenya remains optimistic about the potential of its youth and continues to invest in quality and relevant education through the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Mudavadi acknowledged challenges such as institutional sustainability and graduate employability but emphasized that the Government is strengthening policies to ensure university education meets industry needs.
“We continue to strengthen policies that uphold excellence and relevance in higher education,” he said.
“The Government will continue to implement education reforms, expand infrastructure in learning institutions and strengthen linkages between industry and academia to enhance access and quality at all levels.”
Mudavadi praised CUEA’s emphasis on value-oriented learning, which he said gives its graduates an advantage in the job market, and encouraged universities to prepare students to be job creators rather than job seekers.
He highlighted the university’s contribution to Kenya’s research ecosystem through facilities such as the IBM Research Lab Africa, the Centre for Research in Religious Life and Apostolate Africa and icolo.io, a leading data storage center.
These he said, align with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) which prioritizes science, research and innovation as engines of growth.
Mudavadi urged young people to embrace digital technology responsibly and use it as a force for progress.
“Be mindful of your digital footprint,” he cautioned. “In today’s globalized world, many partner countries now review social media activity when considering visa or scholarship applications.”
Mudavadi stressed that the continent’s innovation agenda must be youth-led and self-defined. He said the Government is committed to empowering young innovators to translate ideas into tangible solutions through policy and institutional support.
He noted that this year, President William Ruto established a fully-fledged State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, which falls under his office. The department, he said is dedicated to strengthening Kenya’s research and innovation ecosystem and fostering collaboration between universities, industry, and innovators.
He also highlighted the role of the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), which is implementing the Research to Commercialization (R2C) programme in partnership with the United Kingdom. The initiative, he said helps researchers and entrepreneurs transform innovations into enterprises that create jobs and drive wealth creation.
“I encourage today’s graduates, under CUEA’s guidance, to seize the opportunities offered by such programs to turn their innovations into impactful solutions,” he said.
Mudavadi congratulated the CUEA Class of 2025, urging them to use their knowledge to solve societal challenges.
“To our graduating undergraduates, you now hold the power to read and do all that appertains to your degree,” he said. “A world of opportunity awaits you, provided you are guided by hard work, discipline, and integrity. Fortunately, these are values that CUEA has instilled in you.”
He reaffirmed the Government’s readiness to collaborate with the youth, noting that their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit are central to Kenya’s transformation.
“The Government of Kenya stands ready to work with you as you enter the job market, whether as innovators, entrepreneurs, or leaders shaping our nation’s future,” said Mudavadi.
Present at the ceremony were Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Migos Ogamba, CUEA Chancellor Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde, University Council Chair Rt. Rev. Mark Kadima, who is also the Bishop of Bungoma Diocese, Vice Chancellor Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari, Dr. Gerard Rooney, President of St. John Fisher University, New York, members of the University Council, faculty, clergy, parents, sponsors and members of the alumni fraternity.
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, established in 1984 under the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) and chartered in 1992, has, over four decades, produced graduates who continue to serve with distinction in government, the Church, academia, and private enterprise.
It remains a beacon of academic excellence, moral formation, and innovation in Eastern Africa.
