Thika, Kenya –Mount Kenya University (MKU) marked its 26th Graduation Ceremony on December 6, 2024, celebrating the achievements of over 7,000 graduates under the theme, “Internationalization of University Education towards Development of a Competitive Global Workforce.” This significant event was hosted at the university’s main campus in Thika, attracting a diverse audience of dignitaries, parents, and academic professionals.
The ceremony underscored MKU’s commitment to fostering globally competent professionals. Chancellor Prof. John J. Struthers emphasized the university’s role as a hub of excellence in education, research, and innovation. He applauded initiatives like the Roadstar Work-Study Project, which equips students with international work experience, and partnerships with global institutions such as the BBT-Group in Germany, which facilitates nursing apprenticeships for graduates.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius JAGANYI highlighted the university’s efforts to align curricula with global standards, enabling students to excel in a competitive world. “Our graduates are not only job seekers but also job creators prepared to make impactful contributions globally,” he remarked.
The keynote address by Ambassador Eunice Kigenyi, Uganda’s Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, celebrated MKU’s achievements in international collaboration. She praised partnerships that provide practical global exposure, including exchange programs and collaborations with institutions like Germany’s Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University.
Ambassador Kigenyi noted MKU’s strategic contributions to regional and global development, such as the Kigali Paramount Hotel project and initiatives that place alumni in critical roles across continents. In an inspiring moment, MKU Co-Founder Dr. Jane Nyutu expressed gratitude to the university’s staff and announced incentives to reward their dedication to academic excellence.
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards to outstanding graduates and researchers. Highlights included a merit award to Dr. Joyce Gikandi for her groundbreaking research and innovation in social sciences and a special tribute to MKU students who excelled in global competitions, including the Zindigi Prize.
As MKU celebrated its graduates, it also marked milestones like the 10th anniversary of the MKU Medical School Association and the fifth year of the Roadstar partnership. These initiatives, alongside cutting-edge research like the integration of next-generation sequencing technology, solidify MKU’s position as a leader in education and innovation.
Graduates In Numbers
- Doctoral Programmes: 14
- Master’s Programmes: 444
- Postgraduate Diploma Programmes: 71
- Bachelor’s Programmes: 4,744
- Diploma Programmes: 1,573
- Certificate Programmes: 238
