Mount Kenya University (MKU) held its 28th graduation ceremony on Friday, December 5, at the MKU Graduation Pavilion in Thika, Kenya, with the event livestreamed to the Mount Kigali University Pavilion, where the Rwanda campus community joined the celebrations.
From the Kigali Campus, a total of 1,161 students graduated, including 998 Bachelor’s degree holders and 163 Master’s graduates. Of these, 652 were female and 509 male, while 20 students earned First Class honours.
The ceremony was conducted under the theme “From Knowledge to Nation Building: Advancing Responsible Leadership and Governance through Higher Education Institutions.”
Addressing graduands, Prof. Egara Kabaji, Chancellor of Mount Kigali University, urged students to view education as a tool for lifelong learning and service.
“Your degrees are more than pieces of paper. They are a call to action. You are custodians of knowledge and catalysts for positive change,” Prof. Kabaji said.
Speaking on institutional leadership, Dr. Innocent Sebasaza Mugisha, Chairman of the University Governing Body, emphasized the importance of accountability and ethical governance in national development.
“When governance thrives in our institutions, it strengthens governance in our nations,” he said.
During the main ceremony in Thika, Prof. Simon Gicharu, CBS, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mount Kenya University, outlined major institutional investments aimed at expanding academic opportunities and positioning the university as a global competitor.
“We are deliberately investing in technology, industry partnerships, and infrastructure to ensure our graduates are not only employable but innovative and globally competitive,” Prof. Gicharu said.
He highlighted the strengthening of the Malindi Maritime Academy through a new partnership with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, the acquisition of a state-of-the-art educational humanoid robot to enhance artificial intelligence and robotics training, and expanded international nursing apprenticeship placements in Germany.
“This is how we bridge the gap between knowledge and the real world. We want our graduates to graduate into opportunity, not uncertainty,” he added.
Dr. Martin Kimemia, Vice Chancellor of Mount Kigali University, described higher education as a foundation for leadership and reform.
“Universities exist not simply to issue degrees, but to produce leaders, innovators, and change-makers who convert learning into responsible action that strengthens institutions and nations,” Dr. Kimemia stated.
Prof. Gicharu also unveiled a KShs. 100 million alumni recognition fund to honor graduates who demonstrate outstanding community service over the next decade.
