Over 5,700 students graduated at the University of Nairobi (UoN) on Friday in an event that marked the institution’s 70th graduation ceremony.
Among the graduands were 121 engineering students from Technical University of Kenya who had been denied registration by Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) because it did not recognise their TUK certificates.
Another 11 were from Koitalel University Constituent College in Nandi County.
The ceremony was characterized by many firsts; it was a first for Education CS Ezekiel Machogu to attend and preside over and a first for acting Chancellor and Chair of Council, Amukowa Anangwe to confer degrees and award diplomas.
State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito and CEO of Privatization Commission, Joseph Kosgey both graduated with a PhD in Business Administration.
Anangwe announced that according to the Universities Act, he will be acting chancellor for the next six months.
“You have achieved a significant milestone in your educational journey and you are an inspiration to the community. However, with this accomplishment comes a challenge. I urge you to go out into the world and become problem solvers, addressing the socio-economic issues that plague our nation. It is only through your effort and dedication that we can truly grow as individuals and as a community,” Anangwe said.
Machogu congratulated the graduands and noted the achievements of the government and the Ministry of Education.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the University of Nairobi and other tertiary institutions for their unwavering commitment to providing a conducive learning environment,” he said.
He acknowledged that many public universities are currently facing unprecedented financial difficulties.
“Allow me to assure you that the Ministry will progressively work towards resolving these concerns and ensuring that access to quality education remains unimpeded,” he added.
He challenged universities to maximise partnerships and collaborations.
Vice Chancellor Stephen Kiama congratulated the graduands for the achievement. He hailed them for the achievement, and commended their dedication, perseverance, and hard work throughout the academic journey.
“I am pleased to present 5,744 graduands for the 70th graduation of the University of Nairobi. Today we will graduate 73 PhDs, 37 fellowships, 1,632 Masters, 55 Post Graduate Diplomas, 3666 Bachelors, and 281 Diploma awards of the University of Nairobi,” he announced.
Established under Kenyan law, UoN is the premier institution of higher education in Kenya and the region.
Home to approximately 45,000 students and about 4,000 staff, UoN tackles global challenges through diverse research efforts.
It ranks high among African universities according to Webometrics and Times Higher Education, boasting a vast network of global research partners.