Mount Kenya University (MKU) has recently made a significant decision to waive fees for graduates with pending arrears, a move expected to greatly ease their transition into the job market. This decision, announced by MKU’s Chairman and Founder, Prof. Simon Gicharu, addresses a long-standing issue where students who had completed their studies and graduated were unable to collect their certificates due to outstanding fees. As many job opportunities require proof of educational qualifications, this barrier had hindered numerous graduates from pursuing their career aspirations.
During the university’s 25th graduation ceremony, Prof. Gicharu highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting its alumni by directing the release of certificates without any conditions. He acknowledged the challenge faced by graduates who could not obtain their certificates because of financial constraints. “Allow me to look back at our previous graduands who were unable to collect their certificates due to varied reasons, the main one being non-completion of fees at the graduation time,” Prof. Gicharu stated.
In his address, Prof. Gicharu encouraged those who can afford to clear their arrears to do so once they secure employment. He emphasized that any payments made would contribute to the Chancellor’s Scholarship Fund, aimed at supporting needy students. This gesture is not only a relief for the affected graduates but also a demonstration of MKU’s commitment to giving back to the community and fostering educational opportunities for future students.
The ceremony also showcased MKU’s expanding global partnerships. Prof. Gicharu spoke about the fruitful collaborations with German and Austrian institutions. For instance, a partnership with Koblenz University of Applied Sciences in Germany has enabled nursing students from Eastern Africa to gain valuable apprenticeship experiences in German hospitals. The first cohort of these students traveled to Germany in April 2024, with a second group set to depart in September 2024. Additionally, the German Government, through the DAAD, has appointed Ms. Charlotte Katharin Filbry to assist in training MKU students in the German language, a critical step for their future careers in Germany.
Moreover, MKU’s collaboration with Austrian health authorities is set to integrate 40 trained MKU nurses annually into Austrian healthcare systems, with the first candidates scheduled to leave in October. These international opportunities highlight MKU’s role in preparing students for global careers and strengthening its educational impact.
Locally, MKU is making strides by partnering with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry to establish an innovation and incubation center. This center, funded by a World Bank grant, will support early-stage businesses in various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, health, and ICT. Prof. John Struthers, MKU’s Chancellor, emphasized the university’s growth through global and local partnerships, noting the significant achievements made in teaching, research, and community outreach.
The graduation ceremony, held at MKU’s Happy Valley Grounds in Thika, saw 7,974 students graduate. Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Higher Education and Research, commended MKU’s role in advancing quality education and supporting the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. She also acknowledged MKU’s contributions to Sustainable Development Goal Number Four (SDG 4) on access to quality education through its UNAI SDG 10 Hub.
Rev. Jackson Ole Sapit, ACK Archbishop, encouraged the graduates to seek wisdom as they embark on their professional journeys. He underscored the importance of making thoughtful decisions that will positively impact their futures and their communities.
Overall, MKU’s decision to waive fees and its ongoing global and local initiatives reflect a strong commitment to supporting its students and enhancing educational and professional opportunities. This progressive approach is likely to have a lasting impact on both the graduates and the broader educational landscape.
