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Speech by Gikera Kahara, Chairman, Mount Kenya University Alumni Association Alumni Representative

SPEECH  BY GIKERA KAHARA, CHAIRMAN, MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

 ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE DURING THE MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY 27TH GRADUATION CEREMONY

 GRADUATION THEME: CATALYZING INNOVATION: UNIVERSITIES AS DRIVERS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

 ON  FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST, 2025  AT MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY HAPPY VALLEY GROUNDS, THIKA

 

  • Salutation
  • The Chancellor, Prof. John Struthers,
  • Chancellor Designate, Mount Kigali University Rwanda, Prof. Egara Kabaji,
  • The Guest Speaker, Tonny Omwansa, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya National Innovation Agency,
  • Archbishop Anthony Muheria, Catholic Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Nyeri,
  • Members of the University Board of Directors,
  • Chairman, Mount Kenya University Council, Dr. Vincent Gaitho,
  • Members of the Mount Kenya University Council,
  • Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi,
  • Vice-Chancellor, Mount Kigali University, Rwanda, 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.

  • Introduction

My name is Gikera Kahara, a proud graduate of Mount Kenya University (MKU) - MAPA, 2013, and current PhD candidate in Strategic Management. It is an honour to address you today on behalf of the Mount Kenya University Alumni Association, where I serve as the Chairman alongside seven other members.

We sincerely thank the University Management for revitalizing the Directorate of Alumni Relations, which now effectively engages our large and diverse alumni community.

 

  • Alumni Engagement and Past Highlights

In previous addresses, we emphasized the importance of impactful alumni involvement, especially in mentorship and community building. We have showcased our alumni’s achievements—from high-profile leaders to successful individuals influencing their communities—to highlight the positive impact MKU graduates have in society.

  • Recent Initiatives

We have made significant strides recently. The MKU Alumni Association is now officially registered, complete with a constitution that structures our engagement with the university and among ourselves.

We have organized several reunions and webinars, creating platforms for networking, learning, and collaboration. These events revealed that many alumni possess valuable skills—from event management to entrepreneurship—that the university and alumni association should recognize and leverage. For example, “Mama Yao,” a Nakuru Campus student, turned a small food business into a successful enterprise that fully funded her studies and inspired others.

To enhance communication, we launched an e-Newsletter alongside our active social media presence, ensuring stories and updates reach all alumni effectively.

 

  • Welcoming New Graduates

To the new graduates, welcome to the MKU family of over 130,000 alumni. Despite our size, we treat every alumnus as an individual and will seek your participation in upcoming programs. Before the year ends, we will present a comprehensive list of opportunities to get involved.

As young graduates stepping into a world increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence, you are uniquely positioned to carry forward the legacy of universities as catalysts for innovation. Your education at MKU has equipped you with critical thinking skills, digital literacy, and a foundation in emerging technologies—tools essential for navigating and contributing to the AI revolution.

You can fit into this transformative theme by actively engaging in AI research, embracing lifelong learning to keep pace with rapid advancements, and applying AI solutions to address real-world challenges in your communities and industries. By doing so, you not only continue the university’s role as a driver of AI but also become innovators and leaders shaping a smarter, more inclusive future.

  • Navigating Challenges Ahead

As you step into the world, be aware of evolving challenges. These affect all generations: Gen Z faces unique issues, Millennials struggle with career stagnation, and Baby Boomers sometimes feel marginalized despite their experience.

My advice: view challenges as opportunities to innovate and solve societal problems. We live in a digital economy shaped by AI—a reality where many jobs will be transformed or automated by 2050. To stay competitive, invest in critical thinking and digital fluency. These skills are essential to create context-specific solutions.

Also, don’t walk alone. Mental health is crucial. Lean on the vast MKU alumni network for support. Remember Porter Gale’s wise words: “Your Network is Your Net Worth.” Let that guide your journey.

  • Conclusion

Let us commit to three key principles that guide the Alumni Association:

  • ENGAGE intentionally to create synergy and opportunities,
  • EMPOWER ourselves and the university,
  • EVOLVE into a stronger, more impactful community of scholars.

 

This vision is ambitious but achievable with the support of university management and partners.

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

Thank you, and may you have a joyous and successful day!

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2025, WELCOME TO MKU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

 

Gikera Kahara

CHAIRMAN, MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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