Nairobi , Kenya: Kenyatta University (KU) recently marked its 56th graduation ceremony, awarding 5,615 degrees, diplomas, and certificates conferred across various disciplines, during the event held on December 12th 2024.
The ceremony was enriched by an honorary acceptance speech from Dr. William Franklin Austin, CEO of Starkey Hearing Technologies, who was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa). Dr. Austin’s address emphasized theological and existential introspection, urging the graduates to embrace their intrinsic potential: “Trust in God, ask Him how you can make a change, and let Him guide you. Don’t ever look over the fence for greener grass—you have it every day.”
Chancellor Amb. Dr. Francis K. Muthaura, in his congratulatory remarks, celebrated the resilience and determination of the graduates, encouraging them to be catalysts for positive change. Reflecting on the words of Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, he reminded them of the transformative power of individual action: “It’s the little things that citizens do that will make a difference.” Chairman of the University Council, Dr. Ben Chumo, highlighted the profound impact of KU’s alumni network on Kenya’s development, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between the graduates’ achievements and the university’s legacy. He declared: “We are proud to associate ourselves with your achievements. Congratulations to you all.”
Representing the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Mr. Fredrick Ndambuki, Secretary of Administration at the State Department for Higher Education and Research, contextualized KU’s contributions within the national development agenda. He urged the graduates to leverage their knowledge and skills to address contemporary societal challenges and drive progress.
This year’s graduation cohort celebrated the achievements of an impressive 5,615 graduates across various academic levels. This diverse cohort included 57 doctoral candidates, 451 master’s degree recipients, 4,760 bachelor’s degree graduates, 276 diploma holders, 45 post-graduate diploma recipients, and 26 certificate awardees. The School of Education and Lifelong Learning led with 1,491 graduates. Other notable contributors included the School of Business, Economics, and Tourism with 1,369 graduates, and the School of Health Sciences with 539 graduates.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Waceke Wanjohi encapsulated the essence of the occasion, urging graduates to view their achievements as the foundation for lifelong learning and societal impact. “This is the beginning of a new chapter. Let the knowledge you’ve gained here propel you to meaningful contributions,” she stated, calling for intellectual curiosity and ethical leadership.
Institutional Milestones and Achievements
The graduation ceremony also celebrated a year of remarkable institutional accomplishments:
- KU was ranked No. 1 in Kenya by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, excelling in teaching, research, industry relations, and international outlook.
- The university received the prestigious Tourism Resilience Award 2024 and was recognized for its innovation at the Kenya Innovation Week, where it won the Best Academia Innovation Award.
- Student Achievements: KU students shone on global and national platforms, with Samson Ojuka Opiyo winning a silver medal at the 2024 Paralympics and the KU Choir retaining its title as Kenya’s Best University Choir for the 15th consecutive year.
