MKU Chancellor challenges fresh graduates to drive change

By Lawrence Ongaro

Mount Kenya University (MKU) Chancellor, Prof. John Struthers, has challenged fresh graduates to become champions of social transformation, ethical leadership and inclusivity as they begin their professional journeys.

Speaking during MKU’s 29th Graduation Ceremony at the university’s Graduation Pavilion, Happy Valley Grounds in Thika, on Friday, August 7, Prof. Struthers urged the Class of 2026 to embrace innovation, adaptability and resilience in a rapidly changing world driven by technological advancement and global connectivity.

Prof. Struthers praised MKU for strengthening global partnerships and investing in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, cloud computing, 5G and the Internet of Things. He noted that the university’s tenure as the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 9 Hub Chair on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure had been extended to 2030, describing the development as evidence of its growing international influence.

He cited the operationalisation of a Cloud Computing Laboratory through a partnership with Xinyada ICT Company and leading Chinese higher education institutions as part of MKU’s efforts to prepare graduates for opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The Chancellor also thanked government agencies, development partners and philanthropists for supporting scholarships and research initiatives aimed at expanding access to higher education. He said their success should be measured not only by personal achievement, but also by their contribution to society.

Create jobs, seize opportunities

Jubilee Holdings Group CEO and guest speaker, Dr Julius Kipng’etich, challenged the graduates to create opportunities rather than wait for employment. He urged them to use their education to solve societal problems, strengthen institutions and promote sustainable development.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, Dr Kipng’etich reminded the graduands that education is a powerful tool for changing the world. He encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning, use emerging technologies responsibly and maintain integrity in their personal and professional lives.

Mt Kenya University’s Vice Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi addresses the university’s 29th graduation fete held on Friday August 7th 2026 at the Graduation Pavillion, Happy Valley, in Thika town. Photo/Courtesy

He also urged graduates to explore opportunities for further education, citing government financing programmes and international scholarships such as Chevening, DAAD, Erasmus+, Fulbright and Commonwealth Scholarships.

Dr Kipng’etich noted that an EU-Equity Bank programme launched in June 2026 was providing Kenyan students with access to global master’s research and education opportunities. He also pointed to the 2026 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarships, under which 33 Kenyan recipients had recently been selected.

“Go out and be the architects of change that is social, governance that is ethical and success that is inclusive,” he told the graduates.

Innovation and research

MKU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, said the university was strengthening academic programmes through curriculum reviews, artificial intelligence integration and digital skills training.

He said MKU had expanded postgraduate programmes in emerging areas, including mental health, psychiatric studies and health records management, to respond to changing professional and societal needs.

Jubilee Holdings Group CEO and chief guest Dr Julius Kipng’etich plants a tree during MKU’s 29th graduation ceremony at Happy Valley Grounds, Thika, on August 7, 2026. Looking on are MKU Council Chairman Dr Vincent Gaitho (centre) and VC Prof Deogratius Jaganyi. Photo/Courtesy

Prof. Jaganyi highlighted the university’s growing research profile, citing international grants and student achievements in innovation competitions in Africa, China, Germany and the United States. He said MKU had partnered with the Africa Population and Health Research Center to train 46 academic staff through the Africa Research and Support Hub programme.

The university secured international research grants in the first quarter of 2026 from organisations including the Gates Foundation, DAAD, Wellcome Trust and the Erasmus+ Mobility Exchange Programme. The funding supports research in areas such as maternal health and employability.

MKU Council Chairman, Dr Vincent Gaitho, urged graduates to confront poverty, inequality, environmental degradation and social injustice through innovation, resilience and compassion. He stressed the importance of integrity, accountability, transparency and service in building sustainable societies.

Dr Gaitho also encouraged the graduates to champion diversity and inclusivity and remain connected to the university through its alumni network.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Youth as Architects of Social Change, Ethical Governance and Inclusivity,” also celebrated individual achievements. Among the graduates was Peterson Moturi, a former Nairobi watchman who earned a Bachelor of Laws degree.

MKU Alumni Association Chairman Gikera Kahara urged the graduates to embrace resilience, integrity and networking while welcoming them into the alumni community.

The ceremony was attended by Mount Kigali University Chancellor Prof Egara Kabaji, Vice-Chancellor Dr Martin Kimemia, Anglican Church of Kenya Provincial Secretary and Assistant Bishop Rt Rev Prof Joseph Denge Galgalo, Dr Innocent Mugisha and members of the MKU and Mount Kigali University governing bodies.