Uhuru Kenyatta urges graduates to marry knowledge with compassion, to build Africa anew

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on graduating students of AMREF International University (AMIU) to become agents of transformation in Africa’s healthcare sector, declaring them the “Hope of Africa” and stewards of the continent’s health future.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta during AMIU’s 6th Graduation Ceremony, the former Head of State delivered a rousing message to the graduating class.

“Today marks the beginning of a lifetime of work. You are the hope of Africa, and in essence, Africa's health future is in your hands from today onward,” he said.

The ceremony, held at AMIU’s newly unveiled Northlands Campus, saw over 3,800 students from more than 20 African countries celebrated for their academic accomplishments in health sciences.

The event also marked a significant milestone for the university as it officially opened the doors to its flagship campus, an expansion that will boost its academic reach and infrastructural footprint across the region.

President Kenyatta urged the graduates to step confidently into their careers, likening Africa’s health landscape to a blank canvas waiting for their creative and visionary contributions.

“The canvas is blank, waiting for your master strokes to transform healthcare systems and empower Africa to stand on its own. The continent needs your voice, your vision, and your brilliance,” he said.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the former President warned against continued dependency on foreign health systems.

“We had to re-strategise as a country and as a continent about the importance of having our own research laboratories, vaccine innovation, and manufacturing facilities. I believe if we had built our own capacity within our continent, we would not have been left at the mercy of the Western world,” he noted.

AMIU Chancellor Ms. Muthoni Kuria echoed the call to action, urging the graduates to pair innovation with compassion and carry African excellence onto the global stage. 

“You leave here today not only with a degree but with a duty. The world you enter is hungry for changemakers who can marry innovation with compassion, amplify community voices in boardrooms, and uphold African excellence on international platforms. Let your next steps be bold,” she challenged.

Among the distinguished guests present were Nyokabi Kenyatta, Dutch Ambassador to Kenya Henk Jan Bakker, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, and Prof. Joachim Osur, Vice Chancellor of AMIU, alongside faculty, families, and alumni.

The graduation and campus inauguration signal a new chapter in AMIU’s mission to equip the next generation of health leaders who will shape policy, lead innovation, and strengthen public health systems across Africa.