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29th Graduation Ceremony Speech By Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi

Salutation

 The Chancellor, Prof. John Struthers,

The Chancellor, Mount Kigali University, Prof. Egara Kabaji,

The Chief Guest, Dr. Julius Kipng’etich, Group Chief Executive Officer, Jubilee Holdings Limited,

Provincial Secretary of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) and Assistant Bishop of ACK Diocese of All Saints, Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Denge Galgalo,

Chairman, Mount Kenya University Council, Dr. Vincent Gaitho,

Chairman, Mount Kigali University Governing Body, Dr. Innocent Mugisha,

Members of the Mount Kenya University Council & Mount Kigali University Governing Body,

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.

Preliminary Remarks

It is my great honour to warmly welcome you all to this auspicious graduation ceremony. Today, we celebrate the achievements of our graduands and recognize the unwavering support of their parents, guardians, staff, and all stakeholders who have contributed to this milestone. As we confer your awards, we send you forth with confidence that the knowledge, skills, values, and resilience you have acquired at this University will empower you to seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and make meaningful contributions to your communities, our nation, and the global society.

Programmes

Mr. Chancellor Sir, the University has continued to embrace market-driven academic programmes through regular curriculum reviews and revitalization to ensure relevance and responsiveness to emerging industry needs. We have also integrated technology into teaching and learning to enhance academic delivery and student experience.

In recognition of the growing role of Artificial Intelligence, the University has embraced AI as a transformative tool for teaching, learning, research, and professional development.

Through a strategic partnership with Xinyada Information Technology Company of China, we are offering short professional courses and digital skills programmes that equip students and staff with competencies required in today’s digital economy.

The University continues to align its academic offerings with national development priorities and labour market demands. Through the School of Education and the TVET Equip Africa Institute  initiative, MKU is leading the implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training, ensuring learners acquire practical, industry-relevant skills that enhance employability, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.

At the postgraduate level, the University Senate has approved programmes in emerging fields such as Health Records Management, Mental Health, and Psychiatric Studies, reinforcing our commitment to producing graduates who respond effectively to evolving societal and workforce needs.

Today, I have the distinct honour of presenting the graduands who have successfully fulfilled all the requirements for the award of Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Their achievement reflects the University's unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality higher education, fostering academic excellence, promoting innovation, and nurturing competent professionals equipped to serve the society with integrity and distinction.

Quality Assurance

Quality assurance remains central to our pursuit of academic excellence and continuous improvement. During the year, the University strengthened its governance framework through the adoption of a comprehensive Risk Management Matrix, which provides a structured approach to identifying, assessing, mitigating, and monitoring institutional risks across academic, research, administrative, financial, and operational functions. This has enhanced institutional resilience, compliance, and evidence-based decision-making.

The University also launched its Customer Service Charter, reaffirming our commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, and excellence in service delivery to all stakeholders. In addition, the University continued engagement with regulatory and professional bodies through programme accreditation audits, compliance audits, and programme evaluations, while strengthening internal quality assurance through regular audits and performance reviews. Collectively, these initiatives underscore our commitment to institutional integrity and world-class standards.

Research and Innovation

Mr. Chancellor Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen, Mount Kenya University continues to strengthen its position as a leading research and innovation institution through strategic partnerships, competitive grant acquisition, and global recognition.

In the first quarter of 2026, the University secured several prestigious international research grants extending to 2029. These include funding from the Gates Foundation, DAAD, Wellcome Trust, and Erasmus+ Mobility exchange Programme, supporting research in maternal health, employability, malaria, and gender equality in higher education.

To strengthen research capacity, MKU partnered with the Africa Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) to train 46 academic staff through the Africa Research and Support Hub programme. I wish to sincerely appreciate Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi, who is present today, and the entire APHRC team, including Dr. Sindi, Dr. Ondiek, and Kevin, as well as the KPMG team led by Dorcas and Sarah, for their outstanding support and mentorship in strengthening our research ecosystem.

With gratitude sir, I am delighted to report that Mount Kenya University continues to gain outstanding recognition on both the continental and global stage through its vibrant innovation ecosystem. At the China International College Students' Innovation Competition 2026 – Africa Region Finals, our Bachelor of Commerce student, Chelangat Mercy, earned the prestigious Gold Award for her innovative project, EduGreenTrack. Competing against leading universities across Africa, her project ranked among the top five innovations on the continent, earning Mount Kenya University the honour of representing Africa at the forthcoming Global Finals in China.

Our culture of innovation is further reflected in other international achievements. A team of four students reached the finals of the Wege Prize 2026 in the United States with their EcoScrubber innovation, which transforms toxic emissions into usable construction materials.

Additionally, six of our students participated in the Africa–Meet Bavaria Innovation Exchange Programme in Germany, where they gained valuable international exposure and industry experience. We are equally pleased that this prestigious programme has been renewed for the 2026–2028 period, providing continued opportunities for our students to engage in global innovation and entrepreneurship.

These achievements underscore Mount Kenya University's commitment to nurturing world-class innovators, advancing research-driven solutions, and strengthening its position as a leading university in innovation, entrepreneurship, and global engagement.

In recognition of excellence in research governance, MKU was awarded the Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) Gold Tier Certification by the African Academy of Sciences and Global Grant Community, demonstrating compliance with international grant management standards.

Student Welfare

The University continues to excel in co-curricular activities, demonstrating its commitment to holistic student development.

At the 64^th Kenya National Drama Festivals (2026), MKU was crowned the Best Overall and Most Prolific University for the third consecutive year, a remarkable achievement that reflects our creativity and artistic excellence. Our students are also actively participating in the Kenya National Music Festivals which are currently underway at Kibabii University.

In sports, MKU performed strongly at the Kenya Universities Sports Federation National Games, ranking among the top universities nationally. Our teams in woodball, badminton, and karate recorded outstanding victories, with additional regional titles in East Africa competitions.

As an inclusive institution, we continue to support students with disabilities through partnerships with organizations such as the Kenya Sports Association for the Visually Impaired and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. We have hosted inclusive sporting events and career development forums to promote equal opportunity and empowerment.

Beyond academics, our students remain active in community service, leadership forums, and interfaith initiatives, nurturing graduates who are responsible, compassionate, and socially engaged.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I pray for God’s abundant blessings upon our graduating class, their parents and guardians, our dedicated staff, and the University Management. As our graduands embark on the next chapter of their lives, may they go forth with confidence, integrity, and excellence, and may they continue to make a positive impact in their communities, our nation, and the world.

Congratulations to you all, and may God bless you abundantly.

Prof. Deogratius JAGANYI

VICE-CHANCELLOR