Mount Kenya University hosts alumni from across the Coast region who came together for the inaugural Pwani Cluster Alumni Reunion, held at Premium Inn Hotel, Mombasa under the theme “Waves of Legacy: Reconnecting Our Roots, Celebrating Our Journey, Shaping the Future.”
The reunion brought together MKU alumni, university management, alumni leadership, staff and other stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of graduates while strengthening connections between the University and its alumni community.
In her keynote address, Kilifi County Deputy Governor H.E. Hon. Florence Mbetsa, who is also an MKU alumna, reflected on her own journey at the University, noting that she joined MKU in 2019 to pursue a Bachelor of Education. She described the reunion as a deeply personal occasion, emphasizing that before her current leadership role came the classroom, learning and the journey that shaped her.
H.E. Mbetsa challenged alumni to view education as more than a qualification, urging them to use the knowledge and skills acquired at university to address societal challenges. She called for a shift from asking “What job will this degree give me?” to asking “What critical problem will this education enable me to solve?”
She further highlighted the potential of the Coast region in areas such as the Blue Economy, tourism, agriculture, technology and the creative sector. She challenged the alumni community to harness its collective expertise by identifying and addressing critical regional challenges through mentorship, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and community initiatives.
Reconnecting Alumni to Their Alma Mater
Speaking during the reunion, MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi described the occasion as a historic moment, noting that it marked the first Pwani Cluster Alumni Reunion. He encouraged alumni to remain connected to their alma mater and contribute to the University’s growth in ways beyond financial support.
Prof. Jaganyi encouraged alumni to mentor students, share professional experiences, create internship and employment opportunities, support research and innovation, and connect the University with industry and other professional networks. He emphasized that every alumnus has something to contribute through their time, knowledge, networks, experience, opportunities and stories.
He also urged alumni to participate in the MKU 2026 Alumni Awards by nominating fellow graduates whose work is transforming lives and communities.
A Celebration of Shared Roots
Dr. Peary Kilei, Director, Mombasa Campus, officially welcomed alumni to the reunion described the gathering as more than a reunion, saying it provided an opportunity to celebrate friendship, shared experiences, professional achievements and the enduring bond connecting graduates to their alma mater.
He emphasized the importance of socialisation and reconnection, encouraging alumni to use the reunion to renew friendships, establish new relationships and celebrate the accomplishments of fellow graduates. He further highlighted the potential of the alumni network as a platform for professional networking, knowledge sharing and career growth.
Alumni Association Calls for Greater Engagement
MKU Alumni Association Chairman Mr. Gikera Kahara welcomed alumni to the reunion and appreciated the University’s support in establishing a structured alumni association led by the Alumni Executive Board. He described the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen synergy among alumni and harness the knowledge and skills gained through their educational journey.
Mr. Kahara emphasized the Alumni Association’s guiding motto: “Engage; Empower; Evolve.” He explained that engagement involves maintaining connections between alumni, students and the University through reunions, mentorship, scholarships and community initiatives. Empowerment involves opening doors to career, business, academic and professional opportunities, while evolution calls on alumni to remain creative and responsive to technological and societal changes.
He urged Pwani alumni to actively participate in the Association, noting that a strong and vibrant alumni chapter can serve as a bridge between MKU and the wider world.
Celebrating a Culture of Giving Back
The Director for Alumni Relations, Ms. Virginia Kiunga, highlighted the growing contribution of MKU alumni to the University and society. She noted that the Pwani reunion was the sixth alumni reunion held over the past two years, following other gatherings including the 4Ks Reunion, Flamingo Reunion, Great Homecoming, Meru Students Mentorship & Luncheon and Champions Reunion.
She commended alumni for participating in more than 40 personal and professional development webinars, mentoring students, opening internship and attachment opportunities, and supporting the next generation of graduates. She also highlighted alumni-led community initiatives, including support for girls at Kaharo Girls during World Menstrual Health Day 2026 and contributions that supported more than 600 boda boda riders in Bungoma County.
Ms. Kiunga urged alumni to continue “blooming where they are planted” by using their knowledge, experiences and achievements to create opportunities for others. She also encouraged alumni to participate in the 2026 Alumni Awards and take advantage of opportunities available through the Alumni Directorate, including the 10 per cent tuition waiver for postgraduate learning.
Alumni Giving Back Through Education
The reunion also highlighted the growing impact of alumni and partners who continue to create opportunities for others. Ms. Zainab Mustafa Najmi, one of the core founders of The 53 Foundation, demonstrated this commitment by providing a full scholarship to a Diploma student, enabling the beneficiary to pursue their education and advance their aspirations.
Her contribution reflected the spirit of the reunion theme, “Waves of Legacy: Reconnecting Our Roots, Celebrating Our Journey, Shaping the Future,” by demonstrating how individual acts of support can create opportunities and positively influence the lives of others.
The scholarship initiative further underscored the call for alumni and stakeholders to use their networks, resources and experiences to empower the next generation and extend the impact of education beyond the University.
Shaping the Future Through Collective Action
A recurring message throughout the reunion was the importance of transforming alumni connections into meaningful action. H.E. Mbetsa urged the Alumni Association to consider selecting one critical regional challenge each year and deploying the collective knowledge and expertise of its members towards addressing it.
She further encouraged alumni to remain lifelong learners as technology, artificial intelligence, green transition policies and data-driven governance continue to reshape society. She called on senior alumni to support emerging professionals through mentorship, internships, executive sponsorship and access to professional networks.
The Deputy Governor also called for stronger partnerships between county governments, industry and universities, particularly in research, innovation and development of solutions to challenges affecting the Coast region.
The reunion concluded with a shared call for alumni to strengthen their connection with MKU and use their collective influence to create opportunities, inspire others and contribute to society.
As expressed by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, the first wave of the Pwani alumni community has reached the shores, and the aspiration is for the connection to continue growing through ideas, networks, mentorship, opportunities and goodwill.
The “Waves of Legacy” theme therefore served not only as a reflection on the alumni’s journey, but also as a call to action to reconnect with their roots, celebrate the journey and work collectively towards shaping a future of greater impact.
The wave has begun. The legacy continues.
