University where students are groomed for service and leadership
Today as Mount Kenya University (MKU) holds the 28th graduation ceremony in Thika, the spotlight is on how to inspire new graduates to apply their acquired knowledge in nation-building.
Talking about this, the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs, Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, CPA Dr Aurelia Rono, says she would like to see universities put stronger emphasis on preparing students for service and leadership.
Dr Rono is the guest speaker at the MKU graduation ceremony today, and her comment is a reflection on the day’s theme, which is: “From Knowledge to Nation Building: Advancing Responsible Leadership and Governance through Higher Education Institutions.”
She emphasises that knowledge is a tool with which to serve the nation, but quickly points out that it must be backed by integrity. Therefore, she contends, higher education institutions have the responsibility of developing citizens who will practise responsible leadership. While observing that some students display leadership qualities early in college and vie for positions in student councils or associations.
Dr. Rono acknowledges the democratic manner in which MKU learners often elect their leaders. Such conduct, she adds, bodes well for the country’s future.
The PS is additionally impressed that other students at the university have excelled at innovation and have already established start-ups that bear qualities which will make them succeed.
She particularly mentions NanaHealth Enterprises, the brainchild of two MKU students – Bettinah Maruti and Esbon Ogeto.
This start-up converts pineapple waste into organic fertilizer that farmers can use to harmlessly increase yields. The two students have gone further and initiated another rare start-up project, named EcoBlue.
The new initiative involves extracting drinkable water directly from the atmosphere. This idea, whose aim is to help increase access to clean water in arid areas, emerged as the top investment-worthy innovation during the African German Entrepreneurship Academy (AGEA) Business Idea Competition in Leipzig, Germany, in September.
The MKU Innovation and Incubation Centre is firmly behind Maruti and Ogeto as they apply for EXIST Business Start-up Grant in 2026. This grant, supported by the Federal Government of Germany, helps university-based start-ups to build strong foundations before they are declared ready to launch as independent companies.
