It was pomp and colour as more than 5,000 highly qualified students were awarded Degrees and conferred Diplomas and Certificates on the occasion of 24th graduation ceremony of Mount Kenya University (MKU).
The event, held under the theme “the role of higher education in driving small-scale industry for socio-economic equity through linkages” was attended by, among others, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary, State Department for Industry at the Ministry of Trade.
In his remarks, he hailed MKU for the timely choice of theme, which he said holds the key to creating jobs and unlocking the country’s economic potential. Small-scale enterprises currently employ about 14.1 million people, representing 93% of Kenya’s national workforce. They contribute 24% to the country’s GDP.
MKU Pro-Chancellor Dr. Vincent Gaitho said quality higher education is indispensable in the country’s socio-economic development. “If you are planning for a year, plant rice; if you are planning for a decade, grow trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people,” he said, quoting a famous Chinese proverb.
The ceremony was presided over by University Chancellor Prof. John Struthers. He awarded star students Chege Stanley Kiriga (Bachelor of Education Science) and Rwamba Grace Murugi (Bachelor of Pharmacy) for topping the graduation roll.
A record 17 students from the breadth of East Africa – Kenya, Congo, Rwanda and Uganda- received their Doctorates in Philosophy (PhD). Among the awardees was Emmanuel Owuor, MKU Dean of Students.
Other notable graduands were Esther Akoth (popularly known as ‘Akothee’), former Mount Kenya University student council leader Charles Karondo who is now the Chairman of Athi Water Works Development Agency, State House staffer Mike Gitone OGW, and Hon. George Risa, Kajiado West Member of Parliament.
The ceremony held at the MKU graduation pavilion at Happy Valley Grounds, Thika, was the second one of year 2023. We wish all the graduands all the best in their future endeavours.
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