Mount Kenya University (MKU) Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi has challenged newly admitted students to look beyond academic qualifications and grades, urging them to explore other interests even as they pursue their studies.
This would enable them to discover their purpose and even develop solutions that can potentially transform society. He emphasised that true university success goes beyond earning a degree, saying it is ultimately about becoming a person of character, purpose and impact. Prof. Jaganyi said during the students orientation that was held on 4th September, 2026.
Vice-Chancellor said joining university should mark the beginning of a journey of self-discovery, personal growth and character development rather than simply a race towards graduation.
He pointed to different MKU alumni who discovered their other fields of interest during their university years that formed the foundation of their careers.
He urged the students to take advantage of opportunities at MKU to develop creativity, leadership skills, meaningful relationships and strong personal values.
Prof. Jaganyi also encouraged the freshers to change their perception of failure, describing setbacks as an important part of the learning process. He urged them to remain resilient, learn from their mistakes and keep moving forward whenever they encounter challenges.
Prof. Jaganyi further cautioned students to choose their friends and social networks carefully, noting that the people they associate with can significantly influence their values, decisions and future success.
The orientation programme also featured a humanoid robot, which captured the attention of the freshers with an inspirational message on the importance of innovation, creativity, discipline and resilience.
Addressing the students at the university auditorium, the robot challenged them to look beyond examinations and academic qualifications, urging them to build meaningful relationships, embrace diversity, discover their purpose and use their knowledge and skills to develop solutions to society’s challenges.
The futuristic presentation drew enthusiastic applause from the students, underscoring MKU’s growing emphasis on innovation, technology and creativity as part of the university experience.
Meanwhile, MKU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Research, Dr. Mercyline Kamande, urged the freshers to maintain a positive attitude, discipline and responsible behaviour as they begin their studies.
Dr. Kamande cautioned the students against negative influences and social ills that could derail their education and jeopardise their future. She encouraged them to remain focused on their goals, build self-confidence and make responsible choices throughout their university life.
She also stressed the importance of nurturing the mental health of young people, saying it was critical to enabling Kenya to harness the potential of its youthful population.
The university leadership challenged the freshers to make the most of their time at MKU by discovering their talents, building meaningful relationships and acquiring skills that will serve them beyond the classroom.
They pointed to the long list of university alumni who have excelled in academics but also discovered other capabilities.
Among the recent graduates who are excelling is MKU School of Law graduate, Mogesi Maroa, who recently delivered one of the keynote speeches during the launch of the National Conversation on Kenya Beyond 2030 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), sharing the podium with leaders including President William Ruto.
In her speech, she called on young people to be placed at the centre of Kenya’s development agenda as the country charts a new path beyond Vision 2030.
She further urged leaders to shift focus from political discourse to development priorities that directly improve the lives of Kenyans, particularly the youth.
Drawing from her upbringing in Kuria, Migori County, she said investment in infrastructure, education and digital connectivity had transformed communities and created new opportunities.
She called for increased investment in education, technology, skills development, employment and entrepreneurship, saying young people should be viewed not merely as beneficiaries of government programmes but as partners, innovators, entrepreneurs and decision-makers capable of shaping Kenya’s future.
Article by John Muchucha
