Kenyatta University held its 53^rd graduation ceremony on Friday ,21^st July 2023, at the Graduation square, Main Campus.  The theme of the  graduation was  ‘Research and innovation for social and economic development’, which is in alignment with the University’s core mission: ‘To provide quality education and training ,promote scholarship and innovation for sustainable individual and societal development’. Kenyatta University’s  unwavering commitment to providing quality education, fostering innovation and promoting sustainable individual and societal development remains its guiding light.

A total of 3385 Graduands were conferred with degrees, diplomas and certificates from various faculties of the University including 79 Phd Graduands. Notable dignitaries at the Graduation, include the Chief Guest, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, where he was represented by  Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary, the state department for higher education and research, Ministry of education. Her presence added an extra layer of significance to the graduation ceremony as the University celebrates the class of 2023, it marked the end of one chapter of the Graduand’s lives and the beginning of a new one.

In her speech, Dr. Muganda remarked  that the Graduands marked  a significant milestone in their lives as they transition from Students to Graduates, equipped with knowledge, skills and experiences that will shape their future. She recommends the Graduates for their dedicated demonstration for academic excellence and their determination to create a better future even in  challenging days. She also reminded the central role of research and innovation in driving out development priorities and aspirations that are captured in vision 2030, ’our economic development blue print’.

On the other hand, The Chancellor of Kenyatta University Prof. Benson Wairegi said that the Graduands will be expected to innovate and contribute towards technological advancement, innovation and research and  are undoubtedly central to the growth process of any nation, therefore, their diligence should not end with the graduation, but should yearn to upgrade their knowledge and skills in tandem with the ever-change societal needs. He added that a good University education should help shift their mindset towards recognizing that education is not just about academic achievement but also about leadership and service to the community.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Wainaina urged the Graduands to be job creators and not seekers, and join hands with their contemporary and predecessors to consolidate their abilities, since they had achieved what they had admitted for. He added that they should  go out confidently since they have all the skills and just like those before them, they  would be able to conquer the world.

In conclusion, the world in which the graduating class writes the next chapter of their lives is  awash with local and global challenges from the current harsh economic times to climate change and technological challenges posed by new technologies with artificial intelligence( AI) in the lead. Kenyatta University has equipped the Graduands with all the necessary skills to tackle future challenges as they celebrate their graduation with their families.