MKU marks 28th graduation with focus on leadership, innovation and global partnerships

Mount Kenya University (MKU) on Friday held its 28th Graduation Ceremony at the Happy Valley Grounds in Thika, a vibrant celebration that drew national leaders, education stakeholders, parents and thousands of jubilant graduands.

The event was themed “From Knowledge to Nation-Building: Advancing Responsible Leadership and Governance through Higher Education Institutions.”

University Council Chairman and Pro-Chancellor Dr. Vincent Gaitho praised MKU’s continued contribution to Kenya’s socio-economic development, noting the influential roles its alumni occupy across different sectors.

“MKU has continued to shape the socio-economic development of nations through training, research and community engagement,” he said.

“With over 130,000 alumni, we remain an engine of societal progress, influencing academic excellence and shaping social, political and economic spaces.”

Dr. Gaitho emphasised that MKU’s training is rooted in ethics and civic responsibility, adding:
“We nurture leadership through curricula that emphasise critical thinking and strong values. Our graduates must be prepared not only for employment but also for responsible citizenship.”

He also launched the new Alumni Award Policy, saying it would “recognize and celebrate graduates who demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation and service to society.”

Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi congratulated the graduands and highlighted MKU’s commitment to innovation and industry-driven training.

“We continue to mount new curricula and refresh existing ones so that our students gain relevant competencies,” he said.

He singled out ElementPay, a digital payment platform created at the MKU Innovation and Incubation Centre, as evidence of the university’s growing innovation capacity.

“This platform being showcased internationally speaks to the competitiveness of our students and the strength of our ecosystem,” he added.

Chief guest CPA Dr. Aurelia Rono, Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs, hailed the graduation as the beginning of a new chapter for thousands of young leaders.

“This ceremony is not just an academic milestone but a launch of a new, youthful generation ready to serve our nation,” she said.

“The theme resonates with government priorities — responsible leadership is the heart of nation-building.”

She applauded MKU’s impact through community programmes and inclusive policies, noting:
“Using knowledge to uplift the less privileged is one of the purest forms of leadership.”

Founder and Board Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu outlined major investments aimed at expanding learning opportunities, from maritime training to robotics and AI.

“In support of the Malindi Maritime Academy, we have sealed a partnership with the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy to strengthen capacity and training,” he said.

He also revealed the acquisition of a state-of-the-art humanoid robot to enhance AI education, noting,

“This is a leap forward that places MKU among leading universities globally integrating robotics in teaching and research.”

Prof. Gicharu reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting alumni through a Ksh. 100 million annual award fund, saying:“We want our alumni to thrive wherever they go. This fund will help them expand their ideas and impact their communities.”

Notable graduates included Ambassador Samuel Thuita, KERRA Chairman Antony Ng’ang’a Mwaura, media personality Steve Thompson Magana and Kilifi Woman Representative Hon. Gertrude Mbeyu Mwanyanje.

Guests included senior leadership from Mount Kigali University, clergy, members of the university’s governing bodies and representatives from partner institutions.

The event marked a significant milestone as MKU reaffirmed its commitment to producing graduates equipped with the skills, values and leadership needed to contribute to Kenya’s development and global competitiveness.