Mount Kenya University (MKU) marked a major milestone as thousands of graduands, their families, education stakeholders and national leaders gathered at the university’s Graduation Pavilion in Thika for the institution’s 28th graduation ceremony.
The colourful event, held under the theme “From Knowledge to Nation-Building: Advancing Responsible Leadership and Governance through Higher Education Institutions,” highlighted MKU’s growing role in shaping Kenya’s leadership, innovation ecosystem and social development.
MKU Council Chairman and Pro-Chancellor Dr. Vincent Gaitho reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing responsible leaders equipped for national and global service.
He said higher learning institutions remain central to shaping governance, socio-economic growth and civic engagement.
“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 continue to influence not only academic excellence but also the social, political and economic facets of nations.”
Dr. Gaitho noted that MKU’s graduates from science, technology, business and social sciences are now serving as policymakers, legislators, innovators, entrepreneurs and media influencers.
“Through curricula that emphasize critical thinking, ethics and civic responsibility, we nurture leaders prepared for real-world decision-making,” he added.
He also highlighted the university’s contribution to governance through research, innovation, active citizenship and participation in national taskforces.
He encouraged graduands to remain actively involved with their alma mater through the Alumni Association, announcing a new policy to honour distinguished graduates.
MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi praised the graduands for their resilience and thanked parents, guardians and staff for their support. He emphasized that the university continues to develop and revise academic programmes to ensure relevance in a fast-changing world.
“We have equipped our graduands with industry-based knowledge, skills and values essential for success,” he said. “Go forth with confidence, integrity and a strong sense of purpose.”
Prof Jaganyi highlighted MKU’s growing innovation ecosystem, including the Innovation and Incubation Centre where startups addressing societal challenges are nurtured. One such innovation, ElementPay, recently represented Kenya at an international investor forum in Indonesia, showcasing the university’s global competitiveness.
Chief guest Dr. Aurelia Rono, Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs, applauded the institution for equipping the country with a new generation of thinkers and innovators.
“This ceremony celebrates not only academic achievement but the launch of a learned generation into the service of our nation,” she said. “The State recognizes the value academia brings in translating knowledge into actionable policies and accountable governance structures.”
Dr. Rono also commended MKU Founder and Board Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu for championing civic duty and national development.
“Prof. Gicharu is a key pillar in Kenya’s nation-building. His leadership goes beyond academics—it is about calling trainees into civic responsibility,” she noted.
The PS celebrated student-led innovations such as Nanaheal Enterprises and EcoBlue, which turns pineapple waste into carbon-negative fertilizer and produces clean drinking water from the atmosphere. She also acknowledged MKU’s social impact initiatives, including medical camps and projects empowering inmates with education.
MKU Chancellor Prof. John Struthers emphasized the role universities play in nation-building, praising MKU’s expanding local, regional and global partnerships, including collaborations with county governments, international universities and industry players.
Founder Prof. Gicharu celebrated the graduates and highlighted new areas the university is investing in to widen opportunities for students and alumni. These include maritime training, AI and robotics, creative arts, sports and overseas placements.
He revealed that MKU has acquired a UBTECH Walker Educational Humanoid Robot, which will elevate AI training and interdisciplinary research.
“This robot marks a major leap forward in advancing AI education and innovation in line with MKU’s strategy and Kenya’s digital transformation agenda,” he said.
Prof. Gicharu also announced developments such as the upcoming MKU ODEL Regional Centre in Kampala, Rwanda’s Kigali Paramount Hotel for hospitality training, and the Vipingo Beach Front Hotel in Kilifi, a 5-star facility designed to enhance practical training for hospitality students.
He further reminded graduates that MKU has set aside Sh100 million annually to appreciate outstanding alumni through awards meant to help them scale their innovations, enterprises and community projects.
This year’s Outstanding Alumni Award winner, Lawrence Lorunyei Ekiru, urged graduands to embrace service and purpose-driven leadership.
“MKU did more than educate me—it nurtured my heart for service,” he said. “Start small, but start. You each have something meaningful to give.”
Notable graduates included Kenya’s Ambassador to Israel Samuel Thuita, Kenya Rural Roads Authority Chair Antony Ng’ang’a Mwaura, media personality Steve Thompson Magana, and Kilifi Woman Representative Hon. Gertrude Mbeyu Mwanyanje. The ceremony also drew dignitaries from partner institutions in Kenya, Rwanda and beyond.
The celebration marked yet another milestone in MKU’s growth as a centre of leadership, innovation and community transformation, sending out a new cohort of graduates ready to contribute to Kenya’s development.
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