7,448 graduands conferred during Mount Kenya University’s 26th graduation ceremony
Calls for more innovation and technological development have dominated today’s 26th graduation ceremony of Mount Kenya University (MKU) at Happy Valley, Thika Main Campus.
MKU was praised as a leading regional center for innovation and internationalisation of tertiary education during an event presided over by Uganda’s Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya Ambassador Eunice Kigenyi.
“Since its inception, MKU has endeavoured to create campuses within and outside Kenya. MKU’s sister institution in Kigali, Rwanda is a good international player. MKU is internationalizing university education.” Ambassador Kigenyi noted.
On his part, MKU Chancellor Professor John Struthers said MKU is leading in producing an innovative and tech-savvy workforce ready for both domestic and international job market.
“Every economy needs a workforce that is capable of producing innovative ideas and tech-savvy, for the betterment of society. MKU is producing this workforce.” Struthers noted.
On her part, MKU co-founder and Member of Board of Director MKU Dr. Jane Nyutu emphasised on the need for mental wellness and consequent intervention measures.
“Let us be observant as parents, lecturers and be your brother’s keeper when it comes to issues of mental health. Anybody can be a victim, and there is help.” Dr. Nyutu said.
She also noted that MKU has recruited Ugandans as staff and that the varsity has a marketing office in Uganda.
“We are building an office block in Kampala. This will serve as a strategic point of expanding access to quality education to wider region covering South Sudan, parts of Burundi and the DRC.” Dr. Nyutu added.
Dr. Nyutu conveyed message of goodwill from MKU Founder and Chairman Simon Gicharu whom she said was engaged in other pressing university undertakings.
A total of 7,448 graduands conferred during the event.
MKU Vice Chancellor Deogratius Jaganyi said among those conferred include 12 Doctor of Philosophy (PHD), 617 (Master Degree), 120 (Post Graduate Diploma), 5,087 (Bachelor Degree), 1353 (Diplomas) and 253 others were conferred with certificates.
“MKU has continued to improve and revamp its curriculums in all the thirteen schools to make them more competitive and research and innovation driven.” Jaganyi said.
The theme of this year’s graduation is dubbed ‘Internationalization of University Education Towards Development of a Competitive Global Workforce’.
Among the notable graduands include Sirisia Member of Parliament (MP) John Waluke and Alice Yalla, Integration Secretary in the State Department for East African Community.
“Graduands, as we celebrate your remarkable achievements today, we also celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and sacrifice. Your journey has been unique, but one thing unites you all—your commitment to making a difference. Today, you stand as evidence of what Mount Kenya University stands for: Unlocking Infinite Possibilities.” Irene Nyagah, MKU alumni representative said.
MKU, the largest private varsity in East and Central Africa has also established sister in Rwanda, Somaliland and Uganda.
In August this year, 7,792 graduands were conferred in a ceremony graced by Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research, Ministry of Education Dr. Beatrice Inyangala during the 25th graduation ceremony held at Thika Main Campus.
During the event, MKU Chairman and Founder Professor Simon Gicharu announced Sh82million fee balances waiver for students who have completed their tertiary education and graduated but have had their certificates withheld due to outstanding school fees arrears.
Gicharu directed that the waiver applies to all past students who have not collected their certificates.
