Summary:
- Mount Kenya University celebrated its 24th graduation ceremony, conferring degrees upon 5,763 students, emphasizing the crucial link between higher education and Small and Medium Enterprises, and highlighting collaborations and advancements in digital learning.
Mount Kenya University hosted its 24th graduation ceremony, where a total of 5,763 students received various degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Notably, the graduating class included international students from different countries pursuing higher education at MKU, including PhD candidates from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Among the distinguished graduates were Kenyan entrepreneur and entertainer Akoth (popularly known as Akothee), who earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Sunkuyia George MP Kajiado West (Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies), and Charles Kamau Karondo, chairman of Athi Water Works (Master of Business Administration).
During the ceremony, an emphasis was placed on the need for stronger linkages between higher education institutions and industries, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Dr. Juma Mukhwana, the Principal Secretary for Industry at the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, highlighted the challenges in this linkage and stressed its importance in addressing issues like minimal technology adoption, inappropriate skills, and the low appreciation of science.
Dr. Mukhwana, in his keynote address, urged higher education institutions to act as hubs for knowledge creation, innovation, and skill development. He emphasized the role of collaboration in facilitating knowledge exchange, technology transfer, mentorship programs, and internships between universities and small-scale industries.
The graduation ceremony was themed ‘The Role of Higher Education in Driving Small-Scale Industry for Socio-Economic Equity through Linkages.’ Dr. Nelly Wamaitha was celebrated for receiving an honorary doctorate during the event.
Mukhwana pointed out that SMEs in Kenya employ around 14.1 million people, constituting about 93% of the country’s workforce, and contribute significantly to the GDP.
The university’s management highlighted its resilience in the past year, adapting to emerging trends by introducing new courses and modern methods of delivering lectures. They also emphasized efforts to align curricula with market demands, introducing new programs such as Master of Pharmacy in Cosmetic Technology, Master of Pharmacy in Industrial Pharmacy, and Master of Science in Industrial Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, mentioned the continuous upgrade of e-learning platforms to enhance the digital learning experience for students and teachers.
MKU Chancellor Prof. John Struthers noted major strides, including partnerships with institutions worldwide. An important collaboration was established with the University of West of Scotland, leading to joint research and other initiatives. The university also secured the hosting rights for the International Conference of the Center for African Research on Enterprise and Economic Development (CAREED) in July 2024.
University Council Chairman Dr. Vincent Gaitho highlighted the university’s expansion, particularly the establishment of the Open Distance and Electronic Learning (ODEL) Center in Embu, aimed at making digital learning more accessible in the Eastern region of Kenya.
