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29th Graduation Ceremony Speech By Alumni Representative Mr. Gikera Kahara

Introduction

Mr. Chancellor Sir,

Permit me to ride on the Protocol already established, and proceed to make my few remarks.

It is indeed an honour and privilege for me to address this congregation on behalf of the Alumni Association, where I serve as the Chairman alongside seven other member

Welcoming Imminent Graduates into the Alumni

 We are delighted that today the Alumni Association will experience yet another numerical growth with the addition of new graduates.

We welcome the imminent graduates onboard, and reiterate that there is a role and space for every alumnus, regardless of gender, age, or other social attributes. You need only to be intentional. We urge you to purpose to engage and network from the outset. Please seize early opportunities by signing up for the webinars curated to equip you with the skills and knowledge to gain a head start in an increasingly competitive and dynamic marketplace.

Once empowered, you will have an opportunity to, for example, mentor the alma mater, as well as give your time and resources towards various programmes that are meant to impact society, the university, and the alumni community. Such programmes include alumni-led community-engaging activities; for example, the recent Boda Safe Ride programme that commenced in Bungoma County and is expected to be replicated across the 47 counties.

Resilience and Character

 Graduands,

To survive and thrive in the competitive and dynamic marketplace, you will need to be resilient when faced by challenging situations. Things might not work on Day 1, or Month 1, or even Year 1. You must not give up. Instead, gather some courage and try again, or even change tact. It is said, successful people are those who refuse to give up even when they fail.

But above all, as you encounter challenges, purpose to be people of integrity and character. Character will propel you where competence alone cannot take you. Let character be your indelible hallmark in all spheres of your life – in schooling, workplace, religious circles, politics, family or community setups. Character endures. Character inspires.

Concluding Remarks

 Mr. Chancellor Sir,

Let me conclude by reminding the imminent graduates, that in your life journey, don’t walk alone, so that you can sustain your mental health. Please tap into the vast MKU alumni network for support. Remember Porter Gale’s (2013) wise words: “Your Network is Your Net Worth”.

Long live MKU, long live the MKU Alumni Association- under the grace of the Almighty God.

Thank you for listening to me, and may you have a glorious day!

Mr. Gikera Kahara

CHAIRMAN, MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY ALUMI ASSOCIATION