Mount Kenya University (MKU) has achieved a historic milestone with its largest-ever graduation ceremony held at its Thika campus. The event, which saw 7,974 students graduate, marks the highest number of graduates the university has celebrated in the past seven years. This momentous occasion reflects the culmination of years of strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement at MKU.
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi highlighted the university’s relentless commitment to academic excellence. He attributed the success to the effective implementation of the Academic Sustainability Project and the Postgraduate Students’ Academic Progression Tracking Project. These initiatives have been pivotal in supporting postgraduate students to complete their studies in a timely manner.
Prof. Jaganyi also emphasized the university’s efforts to enhance global visibility for researchers by encouraging publications in internationally recognized, indexed, and peer-reviewed journals. This strategic move aims to boost the university’s academic reputation on a global scale.
Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Higher Education and Research, Ministry of Education, graced the ceremony as the chief guest. Her speech underscored MKU’s remarkable journey over the past 25 years and its dedication to expanding access to affordable and quality university education. She commended MKU for choosing a path less traveled and urged all Kenyan universities to join the free United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) platform and apply to become UN Academic Impact SDGs Hubs by the September 2025 deadline.
Dr. Inyangala reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a conducive policy environment that supports research, patents, and innovation commercialization. This commitment aligns with the university’s theme for the event: “University Sustainability through Research and Innovation.”
The ceremony also highlighted several notable partnerships and initiatives that MKU has embarked upon. Prof. Simon Gicharu, Chairman of the MKU Board of Directors, announced a collaboration with Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, Germany. This partnership provides apprenticeship opportunities for nursing professionals from Eastern Africa to gain experience in German hospitals. The first cohort traveled to Germany in April 2024, with a second group set to depart in September. Additionally, the German Government, through the DAAD development agency, has appointed Ms. Charlotte Katharin Filbry to assist MKU in German language training for students.
Another significant partnership involves Austrian health authorities and Lebenshilfe Tirol, aimed at integrating trained MKU nurses into Austrian hospitals and care homes. The first two candidates are scheduled to depart in October, with additional candidates completing their German language training soon after.
MKU is also expanding its educational offerings with the establishment of the Malindi Maritime Academy, which will provide STCW basic and advanced training for maritime professionals. The university will soon launch a Bachelor of Nautical Sciences program, positioning itself as the first in the region to train ship captains and officers.
In response to the growing interest in esports, MKU will set up an esports training center in collaboration with The Esports Kenya Federation at its Thika campus. Furthermore, the university is set to benefit from a World Bank-funded Innovation grant to establish an innovation and incubation center, supporting early-stage businesses across various fields.
In a gesture of goodwill, MKU announced that all pending certificates will be released unconditionally to those unable to clear their fees balance. Any future collections from beneficiaries who secure jobs will support the Chancellor’s Scholarship Fund, benefiting both current and past graduates.
The ceremony concluded with MKU Chancellor Prof. John Struthers extending congratulations from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). He praised MKU for its successful hosting of the Centre for African Research on Enterprise and Economic Development (CAREED) 8th International Conference and for forging new partnerships with institutions from Japan, Europe, and Australia.
Overall, the graduation ceremony not only celebrated academic achievements but also highlighted MKU’s ongoing commitment to fostering global partnerships, supporting research, and enhancing educational opportunities.
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