MKU’s 28th Graduation: From Knowledge To Nation-Building, Graduates Poised For Leadership And Innovation
The Mt Kenya Times 
By James Wakahiu
Thika town was abuzz with celebration as Mount Kenya University (MKU) held its 28th Graduation Ceremony at the Graduation Pavilion, Happy Valley Grounds along Garissa Road.
The event, themed “From Knowledge to Nation-Building: Advancing Responsible Leadership and Governance through Higher Education Institutions,” brought together national leaders, education stakeholders, parents and thousands of graduands marking the culmination of years of hard work.
Dr. Vincent Gaitho, Chairman of the University Council and University Pro-Chancellor, emphasized MKU’s pivotal role in shaping responsible leadership and governance in Kenya and beyond. “Higher education institutions are transformative agents for nation-building. MKU contributes to socio-economic development through training, research, and community engagement,” he said, noting that the university boasts over 130,000 alumni and a growing student population.
Dr. Gaitho highlighted that MKU graduates across science and technology, business and social sciences have become policymakers, media influencers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, thanks to the university’s 13 schools offering accessible and quality education.
“Our curricula emphasize critical thinking, ethics, and civic responsibility. Through student governance, mentorship programs, and industry linkages, MKU nurtures graduates to be leaders in formal employment or entrepreneurial ventures,” he added.
The council chairman also underscored MKU’s contribution to good governance through research and innovation that informs policy and promotes accountability. “We foster active citizenship through public lectures, publications, participation in national taskforces, and professional development programs. Our international peace conferences every five years further promote unity, cultural diversity, and dialogue across communities.”
Dr. Gaitho encouraged the 2025 graduating class to stay connected through the Alumni Association, noting that the university’s Alumni Award Policy will recognize outstanding graduates in community service, professional excellence, public service, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and research.
“MKU supports startups through incubation hubs and industry partnerships, while fostering democratic values, human rights awareness, and academic freedom,” he said.
MKU Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi congratulated the graduands and thanked parents, guardians, and staff for their support. He emphasized that MKU continuously updates curricula to equip students with relevant skills and competencies, while nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
At MKU’s Innovation and Incubation Centre, students transform ideas into practical enterprises addressing real-world challenges. Among these innovations is ElementPay, a platform enabling fast, low-fee payments via crypto wallets, recently presented at an Investor Readiness Program in Bali, Indonesia.
Prof. Jaganyi also acknowledged research grants in molecular biology, genomics, immunology, and parasitology awarded through Prof. Jesee Gitaka in 2025.
“Graduates leave MKU equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to succeed in their careers and serve their communities responsibly. Go forth with confidence, integrity, and a sense of purpose,” urged the VC.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Aurelia Rono who is the Principal Secretary, State Department for Parliamentary Affairs, praised the ceremony as a milestone marking the launch of a new generation of educated, civic-minded Kenyans. Quoting Dr. Eleanor Roosevelt, she reminded graduates that “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Dr. Rono lauded MKU’s governance and leadership, noting the university’s role in translating academic knowledge into actionable policies and accountable governance structures.
She applauded MKU Founder and Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu for nurturing civic duty alongside academic excellence. Dr. Rono highlighted student-led initiatives such as Nanaheal Enterprises and EcoBlue, which turn pineapple waste into carbon-negative fertilizer and extract clean drinking water from the atmosphere. These projects, supported by the Africa Centre for Career Enhancement and Skill Support (ACCESS-DAAD) in collaboration with Leipzig University, have gained international recognition.
Dr. Rono also emphasized MKU’s inclusive policies, such as bursary support and sign language interpreters and encouraged graduates to use their degrees as tools for service in public, private, or academic sectors.
MKU Chancellor Prof. John Struthers highlighted the role of universities in nation-building by training leaders committed to good governance. He praised the university’s local and international partnerships, including with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, Rwanda Bar Association, the Cooperative Bank of Kenya, and Chinese ICT and higher education institutions. Prof. Struthers also noted MKU’s leadership in the United Nations Academic Impact SDG 9 Hub, now including Hermilio Valdizán National University (Peru), La Salle University (Spain), and Nagaoka University of Technology (Japan).
Prof. Gicharu congratulated the graduates and emphasized MKU’s investment in non-traditional employment and self-employment opportunities. These include programs in maritime training, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, sports, and creative arts, as well as overseas apprenticeships in Germany.
The university recently partnered with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy to enhance the Malindi Maritime Academy, offering training in AI applications in maritime safety and sustainability, curriculum development, and joint research aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Prof. Gicharu also announced the acquisition of an UBTECH Walker E-Educational Humanoid Robot, aimed at advancing AI education, robotics literacy, interdisciplinary research, and teacher training, in line with Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.
The university has additionally established a dental school, equipped with state-of-the-art labs and partnered with Thika Level 5 Hospital for practical training.
Looking ahead, MKU will launch the ODEL Regional Centre in Kampala, Uganda, under the Equip Africa Institute, with capacity for 500 students across multiple programs.
In Rwanda, MKU hospitality students now undertake internships at the Kigali Paramount Hotel, while in Kilifi, the Vipingo Beach Front Hotel will serve as a 5-star training facility for hospitality students, linking them to maritime career pathways.
The graduating class was also reminded that MKU has set aside KSh 100 million for annual alumni awards recognizing exceptional contributions to society, professions, and the university.
Lawrence Lorunyei Ekiru, 2025’s most outstanding alumnus, emphasized the value of service and encouraged graduates to start making a difference immediately, no matter how small.
Notable graduates included Samuel Thuita, Kenya’s Ambassador to Israel; Mr. Antony Ng’ang’a Mwaura, Chairman of Kenya Rural Roads Authority; media personality Steve Thompson Magana; and Gertrude Mbeyu Mwanyanje, Women Representative of Kilifi County.
Other dignitaries included Chancellor and leadership of Mount Kigali University, Rwanda, pastors, members of MKU’s Board of Directors, and representatives from local and international universities.
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