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25th Graduation Ceremony Speech by the Chair, University Council

SPEECH

BY VINCENT GAITHO, Ph.D.

CHAIRMAN, UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

DURING THE

MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY 25^TH GRADUATION CEREMONY

GRADUATION THEME: UNIVERSITY SUSTAINBILITY THROUGH RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

ON

FRIDAY, 2^ND AUGUST, 2024

AT

MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY HAPPY VALLEY GROUNDS, THIKA

• Salutation
• The Chief Guest, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research, Ministry of Education,
• The Chancellor, Prof. John Struthers,
• Chairman, Board of Directors and Founder, Mount Kenya University, Prof. Simon Gicharu, CBS,
• Co-Founder of Mount Kenya University, Dr. Jane Nyutu,
• Members of the University Board of Directors,
• Members of the University Council,
• Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi,
• Vice-Chancellor, Mount Kigali University, Rwanda, Dr. Martin Kimemia,
• Vice-Chancellors and Representatives present,
• Members of the University Management Board and Senate,
• Distinguished Guests,
• Mount Kenya University Staff,
• Parents and Guardians,
• Graduands and Students,
• Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning.

• Preliminaries

I am delighted, on behalf of Mount Kenya University Council, to welcome you to the 25^th Graduation Ceremony. Mr. Chancellor Sir, allow me to appreciate the Chief Guest, Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research, Ministry of Education and all our distinguished guests who have honored our invitation.

• University Council Approvals

Mr. Chancellor Sir,

Pursuant of its mandate and in compliance with the MKU Charter, 2011, Part 14, the University Council has continued to support the institution by approving policies aimed at boosting service delivery among other deliverables. In the same spirit, the Council has supported the following University initiatives;

1. Approval of the Establishment of a stand-alone Alumni Relations Directorate

Mr. Chancellor Sir, The Universities Act, 2012; Part 42 recognizes the Alumni as an integral part of an institution. Henceforth, MKU Charter, 2011; Part 23 underscores the establishment of an Alumni Association with an elaborate definition and clear functions.

Mr. Chancellor Sir, MKU alumni base has grown significantly and currently stands at over 140,000. In recognition of this pool of graduates of MKU, the operations of the Alumni office have been strengthened by establishing the Directorate of Alumni Relations. The new Alumni Relations Directorate is expected to pursue the tenets of the Association in line with outlined functions while pursuing innovative ways to making MKU Alumni a vibrate pool of national builders and ambassadors of their Alma Mater.

1. Infrastructural Developments

In tandem with the growing popularity of MKU and in recognition of her attraction to both local and international students, the Council appreciates the unequivocal support by the Board of Directors towards the improvement of resources in order to enhance the delivery of teaching, learning, research, innovation and students’ welfare through;

• Construction and equipping of 4 Pharmacy Laboratories - Nakuru Campus,
• 2 Fully equipped Nursing Skills Laboratories – Thika (Main) Campus,
• Adoption of smart classrooms and digital technologies and acquisition of interactive displays,
• Refurbishment of Students Centre,
• Support to religious groups and
• Improvement of sporting and recreational facilities.

Mr. Chancellor Sir, the University Council pursuant of its mandate will remain forthright in providing proposals and recommendations to the Board for capital development and expansion of the University.

1. Research and Innovation

Mr. Chancellor Sir, research and innovation has remained a hallmark for any University worthy the name. Henceforth, the Council will continue to approve policies and ensure implementation of the guidelines that will promote cutting -edge research and innovations. In line with the 25^th Graduation Ceremony theme, “University sustainability through research and innovation”, the Council encourages the Research Directorate to set up regional hubs of excellence through multi-disciplinary, impactful and transformative research. We therefore, call upon the faculty, students, alumni and members of the public to make optimal utilization of the state-of-the-art facilities of; Research, Enterprise and Innovation Centre and Innovation and Incubation Centre. This will support commercialization and implementation of research outcomes and innovation.

Meanwhile, we appeal to the government and other development partners to increase allocation of research funding to universities and research institutions if data-based development is to be realized. It is evident that source of economic growth for nations depend on investment in the education, research and skilling the youth to meaningfully engage in jobs and wealth creation.

1. Staff Welfare

Mr. Chancellor Sir,

Allow me to appreciate both the academic and professional staff through whose hands our students have passed.  We recognize the importance of the human resource individually and collectively as an integral part of the success that we are witnessing today.

To sustain a conducive working environment, the University Council has supported an enabling space for the growth of staff through implementation of the Scheme of Service. The Scheme of Service has introduced far reaching improvements in the terms and conditions of service. The Scheme focuses on staff promotion while aiming at the attraction and retention of qualified and competent individuals and teams. Furthermore, the Scheme and emerging work environment envisions capacity and team building activities as critical components in the sustainability of the University.

Mr. Chancellor Sir, in addition, the Council takes cognizance of the University’s visionary leadership which ensures the University remains sustainable through tenets of strong corporate governance.

1. Partnerships and Collaborative Engagements

Mr. Chancellor Sir, it is the Council’s prerogative to promote and approve affiliations, collaborations and cooperation’s of MKU with other stakeholders. Hence, MKU has been powered by synergetic partnerships and collaborative engagements with local, regional and international institutions and industries. Suffice it to say, Public- Private Partnerships have been instrumental to the improvement of creativity, innovativeness and entrepreneurships geared towards use of available resources. Further, MKU has also partnered with government agencies and communities in climate action to mitigate global climatic challenges.

Mr. Chancellor Sir, to confront climate change challenges, MKU has partnered with stakeholders to plant and grow indigenous and medicinal plants and trees in our 50 acres Botanical Garden here at the graduation pavilion grounds. From the Botanical Garden and in collaboration of stakeholders in the indigenous knowledge space, MKU has innovated a herbal soap (WEMA) which is accredited by KEBS and in the process of commercialization.

1. Congratulatory Message

Mr. Chancellor Sir, as I conclude, I take this opportunity to congratulate all the graduands for successfully making it to the finish line. I encourage the graduands to take bold steps in socio-economic development of our nations and countries. Dear Graduands, on behalf of the University Council, I wish you success in all your endeavors. As you join the world of work and wealth creation, purpose to have a strong bond with your alma mater. Be assured that Council will continue enhancing the University’s support systems to the alumni, students and communities for holistic growth and transformation.

Thank you.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Dr. Vincent Gaitho, PhD

CHAIRMAN, UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY