BY EVANS ONGWAE
For any young graduate to thrive in the highly dynamic and competitive world of today, novelty is central. Mount Kenya University (MKU) acknowledges this reality and lays much emphasis on innovation and extensive partnerships in its programmes.
And today, as the University holds its 29th graduation ceremony, it has invited Jubilee Holdings Ltd Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Julius Kipng’etich, a seasoned corporate leader and radical thinker, to speak to the graduands and inspire them to boldly face the world as they step out. Dr Kipng’etich is the guest speaker at the event.
The university’s view is that given his extensive C-suite experience, Dr Kipng’etich will enlighten both continuing students and those who are graduating, on how to successfully make that leap from class to industry. He will deliver a speech around the graduation theme: ‘Youth as Architects of Social Change, Ethical Governance and Inclusivity’.
Young people are often touted as “leaders of tomorrow”. They are expected to influence social change. However, that premise can only come true if they are equipped now to later drive the change that will transform their communities into prosperous enclaves. With their irrepressible energy, creativity and innovation, young people have a significant role to play in finding solutions to local as well as global challenges. They also have the responsibility of promoting transparency and accountability – helping to create a more open and equitable society.
This requires that they learn and acquire adequate knowledge and information to make strategic decisions that positively impact their lives and of those around them.
Reflecting on this, MKU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deogratius JAGANYI, says the University prepares young people to face the future with confidence. “MKU is leveraging digital transformation and inclusive education to drive social change. Additionally, the university promotes values-based education through partnerships, such as with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), nurturing ethical leaders who can transform governance and society,” he states.
Last year, MKU signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with GPF. This pact is valid until 2028. Since its signing, the partnership has provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, leadership development, and capacity building, particularly in preparing learners and educators for future challenges.
In March, under its ‘transforming education’ series of workshops, the MKU-GPF partnership hosted a Computing Boot Camp for Computer Science Tertiary Educators. The event brought together approximately 70 computer science educators and university lecturers to strengthen their digital competencies and enhance innovative teaching approaches. The programme contributed to building the capacity of educators to equip learners with future-ready digital skills.
eongwae@ke.nationmedia.com
