MKU releases over 8000 graduates to global market

Mount Kenya University today, 8^th of August, 2025 marks significant milestone by graduating over 8,700 graduates  during the 27th Graduation Ceremony at the MKU Pavilion landless Thika.

The ceremony, presided over by MKU Chancellor Prof. John J. Struthers, brought together a distinguished audience including the University Council, led by Chairman Dr. Vincent Gaitho, University management, international and local dignitaries, proud parents, and   guardians.

27th Graduation Ceremony,  was held under the theme “Catalyzing Innovation: Universities as Drivers of Artificial Intelligence.” The event also marked the first time Equip Africa Institute, MKU’s TVETA-accredited arm, graduation alongside MKU’s.

In his address, Mount Kenya University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi congratulated the graduands and acknowledged the parents, guardians, and staff who supported them through their academic journey. Prof. Jaganyi noted that MKU’s Innovation and Incubation Centre continues to nurture student entrepreneurship through the Idea to Market programme.

1. Three students are currently in Munich, Germany, for the Africa Meets Bavaria innovation exchange, with a second cohort set to train 100 students in digital product development focused on AI.
2. Two MKU students won the African German Entrepreneurship Academy’s Business Idea Competition and will pitch their projects at Leipzig University in September.

Commitment to Quality

Prof. Jaganyi also announced the integration of ISO 27001:2022 Information Security Management with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management, creating a robust Integrated Management System (IMS) to enhance operational efficiency, data security, and readiness for AI adoption.

Mount Kenya University Council Chairman, Dr. Vincent Gaitho, has called on graduates to position themselves as global citizens, embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), and pursue lifelong learning to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving world of work.

Artificial Intelligence & Digital Transformation

Dr. Vincent Gaitho reaffirmed the University Council’s dedication to leveraging Artificial Intelligence to enhance operational efficiency, advance research, foster innovation, and support data-driven decision-making across the institution.

He announced the approval of the University Integrated Resource Platform (UnIRP), a cutting-edge system designed to enable real-time management of both academic and administrative functions.

“This transformative platform will streamline processes, improve transparency, and strengthen the university’s capacity to deliver world-class education in an increasingly digital and competitive environment” Dr. Gaitho said.

Celebrating Global Partnerships and UN Recognition

Prof. Struthers commended MKU for securing a prestigious role as the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 9 Hub Chair on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, a position it will hold until 2027.

The Chancellor also praised other partnerships forged in the past year, including collaborations with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya Branch), the International Law Institute – South African Centre for Excellence, Marwadi University (India), the National University of Science and Technology, the International Maritime College Oman, and the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy.

The Guest Speaker, Dr. Tonny Omwansa, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), urged the graduates to remain adaptable and to approach their careers with a problem-solving mindset.

“Fall in love with the problem, not just the idea. AI is a tool, but its true power lies in your ability to apply it where it matters most,” Dr. Omwansa advised.

Also gracing the ceremony was His Grace Most Rev. Archbishop Anthony Muheria, who delivered an inspiring blessing and called upon the graduates to lead with integrity, compassion, and service to humanity.

He emphasized the importance of ethical leadership in an era of rapid technological change, reminding the graduates that innovation must always be guided by values and a commitment to the common good.

MKU Alumni Association representative Mr. Gikera Kahara delivered an inspiring address to thousands of graduands, urging them to actively contribute to innovation in an era shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Representing more than 130,000 alumni worldwide, Mr. Kahara, expressed pride in the strides made by the Alumni Association. He applauded the university’s management for revitalizing the Directorate of Alumni Relations, a move that has significantly improved alumni engagement.

Celebrating Alumni Milestones

In his remarks, Mr. Kahara highlighted the achievements of MKU graduates, ranging from high-profile leaders to community change-makers. He shared inspiring examples, such as “Mama Yao,” a former Nakuru Campus student who turned a small food business into a thriving enterprise that funded her education while motivating peers.

The Alumni Association which is now officially registered with a governing constitution, has strengthened its network through reunions, webinars, and skill-sharing platforms. Its newly launched e-newsletter and active social media presence aim to ensure that alumni stories, events, and opportunities reach the entire MKU community, Mr. Kahara Said.