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28th Graduation Ceremony Speech By Dr. Vincent Gaitho

SPEECH

 BY

Dr. VINCENT GAITHO,

CHAIRMAN, UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

DURING THE

MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY 28TH GRADUATION CEREMONY

GRADUATION THEME: “FROM KNOWLEDGE TO NATION-BUILDING: ADVANCING RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS.”

ON

FRIDAY 5TH DECEMBER, 2025

AT

MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY GRADUATION PAVILION

HAPPY VALLEY GROUNDS, THIKA

 

  • Salutation
  • The Chancellor, Prof. John Struthers,
  • The Chancellor, Mount Kigali University, Prof. Egara Kabaji,
  • The Guest Speaker, CPA Dr. Aurelia Rono, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Parliamentary Affairs, Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary,
  • Pastor Anthony K. Mwangi, Senior Pastor, Life Church International,
  • Chairman, Board of Directors and Founder, Mount Kenya University, Prof. Simon Gicharu, CBS,
  • Members of the University Board of Directors,
  • Chairman, Mount Kigali University Governing Body, Dr. Innocent Mugisha,
  • Members of the Mount Kenya University & Mount Kigali University Council,
  • Vice-Chancellor, Mount Kenya University, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi,
  • Vice-Chancellor, Mount Kigali University, Dr. Martin Kimemia,
  • Vice-Chancellors and Representatives present,
  • Members of University Management Board and Senate,
  • Your Excellencies,
  • Distinguished Guests,
  • Mount Kenya University Staff,
  • Parents and Guardians,
  • Graduands and Students,
  • Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning.

  • Preliminaries

I take this opportunity to appreciate all those who have honored the invitation to celebrate with us during the 28th graduation ceremony today.

On behalf of the Mount Kenya University Council, I join the rest of us in congratulating the class of 2025 and all those who have contributed to this success.

Parents and guardians, thank you for supporting this graduating class throughout their life at MKU.

Mr. Chancellor Sir,

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a transformative role in shaping leadership and governance for nation building. MKU has continued to shape the socio-economic development of nations through training, research and community engagement. With over 130,000 alumni base and a growing number of continuing students, MKU remains an engine of societal progress, influencing not only academic excellence but also the social, political and economic facets of nations. MKU has honed leaders bestowed to steer national development.

Graduates of MKU who stems from Science & Technology, business and social sciences have become policymakers, legislators, media influencers, entrepreneurs, innovators and change agents in various sectors through her vibrant 13 schools offering affordable and accessible quality education.

MKU has continued to nurture leadership through curricula that emphasize critical thinking, ethics and civic responsibility. The University governance takes cognizance of the student governance acting as a stimulus to real-world leadership, while academic and leadership mentorship programs connect students with industry to be champions of the institutions they get to lead in either formal employment or self- employment ventures.

MKU contributes to good governance through research and innovation that informs decisions, advocating for transparency and accountability through academic discourse.

The University fosters active citizenship through public lectures, academic publications and acting as think tanks in various national taskforces and committees. MKU strives to strengthen governance by skilling and re-skilling professionals by offering specialized programmes, and hosting workshops and conferences in thematic areas.

MKU holds an international conference on peace every five years, seeking to promote national unity and cohesion and celebrate cultural diversity, facilitate dialogue across ethnic and political lines, and preserve national heritage.

MKU supports various community outreach programmes and promotes volunteerism and social responsibility among staff and students.

To sustain this temple, I wish to welcome the graduating class to remain connected to their alma mater through the Alumni Association in propagating the University agenda for National heritage beyond the lecture halls.

  • MKU Alumni Award Policy

Mount Kenya University Council approved the Alumni Award Policy to formally recognize and celebrate outstanding alumni who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and service to society, their professions, and the University community. By honoring such alumni, the policy reinforces the University’s values, enhances its reputation, and inspires current students and the broader alumni network to pursue excellence, aligned with the University motto, “Unlocking Infinite Possibilities”.

The policy applies to all MKU graduates and governs the call for nomination and selection of awardees under the following categories:

  1. Community Service
  2. Professional Excellence
  3. Public Service and Leadership
  4. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  5. Global Impact
  • Research and Innovation

At MKU, research is geared towards informing public policy through policy briefs, impact assessments, and data analysis. I call upon governments to support research and innovation and allow faculty, students, and graduates to be advisors, technical experts, and contributors to national development plans. Suffice it to say at MKU like in other private universities, our motivation for being is anchored on the desire for the common good and national prosperity backed by well-educated and skilled human capital.

MKU envisions to be a leader in research and innovation. To this end, MKU has supported incubation hubs to support startups and entrepreneurship and partnership with industries to solve national challenges.

MKU will continue to inculcate a democratic culture by teaching constitutional values, human rights encouraging academic freedom of thought, and producing informed graduates.

  • Conclusion

Mr. Chancellor Sir, as I conclude, allow me to once again congratulate the class of 2025.

As you join the world of work, wealth creation and nation-building, practice the positive attitudes, national and moral values that have been imparted on you.

Bring transformation to the communities as you embrace leadership skills and corporate governance in all your endeavors.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026 and may God Bless You All.

        Dr. Vincent Gaitho, PhD

CHAIRMAN, UNIVERSITY COUNCIL

MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY

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