Mount Kigali University students were challenged to turn their unique combination of talent, knowledge, and technology into true opportunity during the event. The call was made by Hon. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley, a Kenyan-born Minnesota State Representative, during a public lecture held at Mount Kigali University on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
The lecture was organised under the Kigali 2026 Diaspora Engagement Series by the Association of Kenyans Living in Rwanda (AKR) in partnership with the School of Business and Economics at Mount Kigali University (MKUR). It was held under the theme, “Connecting Talent, Technology, Knowledge and Opportunity.” Drawing from her personal journey from Kenya to Minnesota, Hon. Hiltsley shared how her experiences in healthcare, medical technology and public service shaped her professional path. She is the first Kenyan-born legislator elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. She reminded students that having ambition is an important starting point, but achieving it requires deliberate action, preparation, discipline and access to opportunities. “You have a dream. You have that determination. What you do not yet have is the connection, the financing, the experience, the open doors, or someone willing to give you a first chance.” She encouraged students to use their university years intentionally by building skills, gaining experience, asking questions, seeking feedback and developing relationships that can support their future careers. In summary, her words reflected the spirit of Mount Kigali University students challenged to turn their talent, knowledge, and technology into meaningful opportunities.
Using Kenya’s M-Pesa as an example of African innovation, Hon. Hiltsley challenged students to view challenges within their communities as opportunities to develop practical solutions. “The world needs someone to say, ‘I see that problem, I have a solution, let’s try to implement it.’” She emphasised that talent alone is not enough. It must be strengthened through discipline, preparation, continuous learning and a willingness to act. Students were encouraged to identify problems that matter to them, understand the people affected and begin developing solutions rather than waiting for opportunities to come their way. Hon. Hiltsley challenged students to become more intentional users of technology, particularly smartphones and social media. She encouraged them to use digital tools not only for entertainment but also to research opportunities, develop skills, build professional portfolios, connect with experts and explore solutions to real-world challenges. What’s more, she underlined the need for MKU students challenged to transform knowledge, technology and their talent into opportunity by proactively engaging with the resources around them.
Addressing the growing use of artificial intelligence in education, she urged students to use AI responsibly and critically. “A tool should strengthen your ability to think, not just think, but think critically.” Beyond academic qualifications, Hon. Hiltsley emphasised the importance of character, integrity and interpersonal skills. She encouraged students to communicate clearly, listen to others, work effectively in teams, seek feedback and remain open to perspectives different from their own. “Your character will take you far. Your integrity will open doors that were closed. She also reminded students that leadership does not begin after graduation or with the acquisition of an official title. Students can demonstrate leadership through their studies, research, businesses, communities and professional activities. Ultimately, she urged MKU students challenged to harness talent, knowledge and technology into real opportunity during every step of their university journey.
Welcoming Hon. Hiltsley to MKUR, Dr. Martin Kimemia, Vice Chancellor of Mount Kigali University, expressed appreciation for her engagement with the University community and the opportunity for students to learn from her experience in healthcare, technology and public service. It was clear that at MKU, students are challenged to unify talent and technology with knowledge, turning these into opportunity for growth.
Wycliffe Aganda, Chairman of the Association of Kenyans in Rwanda, highlighted the importance of connecting young people with professionals and leaders from the diaspora through mentorship, knowledge sharing and professional networks. He acknowledged that MKU students are consistently challenged to turn their technology skills, knowledge, and talent into opportunity through these networks.
The engagement forms part of the Kigali 2026 Diaspora Engagement Series, which seeks to create opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional networking and collaboration between the diaspora and communities in Africa. In this way, MKU students challenged to make the most of their knowledge, talent, and technology are encouraged to turn them into real opportunities for themselves and their communities.