KENYA: A FUTURE FOR CREATIVE GRADUATES

With the new constitution the system of governance that is being introduced will only suit smart professionals, Kenyatta University, Chancellor, Prof Onesimus Mutingi has said. “I have advised that a course aimed at training our students on the new constitution be started so that it is well understood and cascaded down the citizens,” Prof Mutungi articulated. The chancellor who was speaking during the University’s graduation ceremony pointed out that the nation is in dire need of innovative entrepreneurs and professionals with skills and attributes that are necessary to transform Kenya into a medium income country. He reminded the nation that university education provides the graduands with a platform to rise up to higher opportunities, challenges and responsibilities. However, he challenged institutions of higher learning to play the role of training personnel in many disciplines that are relevant for transforming the Kenyan society for meeting the targets of the Kenya Vision 2030. “Institutions of higher learning must therefore continuously keep on realigning themselves with the needs of the society and adjusting their programmes as need be.” “Kenyatta University is leading in preparing her students to help transform the Kenyan societies by providing relevant and quality education and by designing courses and programmes that are in line with the goals of Kenya Vision 2030.” Kenyan graduates were challenged to realize that having relevant training in the context of globalization is not enough. Thus they must have a competitive edge in the way they apply the knowledge and information that they have acquired in the course of their training and be resilient in order to survive in the increasingly competitive world. The Vice – Chancellor, Prof Olive Mugenda while ushering 3,172 graduates to the workforce said the university has established over 150 strategic partnerships and collaborations with other institutions throughout the world. “The University is pursuing an initiative that will send a number of its students to spend a semester in East African universities and at the same time host students from these collaborating universities.” Prof Mugenda said the university has scaled her research portfolio that has made it possible to realize an increased number of interdisciplinary research among staff. She said the university is aware that the development of the necessary scientific infrastructure, as well as the technical and entrepreneurial skills is essential prerequisites for the transformation of Kenya into a knowledge based society. “To establish an effective innovation system to tap into the growing stock of global knowledge, assimilate and adapt it to local needs, while creating new knowledge and opportunities for employment to young people, the University established the Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre” this year. During the graduation ceremony the Head of Public Servioce Francis Muthaura was honored with a doctorate in humanities for his distinguished role as a diplomat and head of the civil service who has seen it grow very vast towards the delivery of services. The Royal Media owner and chairman was feted, too, with an honorary degree in entrepreneurship in the growth of electronic media. Prof Onesmo ole Moiyoi who is currently the chairman of the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute and former chairman of the Kenyatta University council was awarded an honorary doctorate in science.