The government has reiterated its commitment to increasing investment in higher education to enhance the quality of learning, training and research as a driver of national economic growth.
A message delivered by Dr Milton Njuki, a member of the Kirinyaga University Council, on behalf of the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr Beatrice Inyangala, during the 9th graduation ceremony of Kirinyaga University, emphasised the government’s steadfast support for universities.
“There is no country in the world that has attained saturation in knowledge to the extent of discontinuing investment in university education,” said the PS. “As a government, we will remain steadfast in allocating substantial resources to support students and institutions, promote research, and ensure access to quality education,” she added.
The PS noted that funding priorities will focus on accelerating research, innovation, ICT integration and branding to make Kenya globally competitive. He added that curriculum reviews are ongoing to align local programmes with regional and international standards, enhancing academic and labour mobility.
“We will continue to harmonise our curricula in the region and internationally to accelerate academic and labour mobility. We are not only training for the region but also for the world,” she said.
During the ceremony, Kirinyaga University conferred degrees and diplomas to 2,512 graduates across various disciplines. The university received its charter in 2016.
Vice Chancellor Professor Mary Ndung’u congratulated the graduates, lauding their perseverance and dedication throughout their academic journey.
“This achievement reflects years of sacrifice, resilience, hard work, and focus,” said Prof. Ndung’u. She encouraged the graduating class of 2025 to pursue further studies, urging them to return for their master’s programmes.
Highlighting the institution’s infrastructural progress, the Vice Chancellor said that Phase Two of the tuition complex that is expected to be completed by January 2026 will provide an additional 4,000-seating capacity and new academic staff offices.
Kirinyaga University Council Chairman, Dr Idris Muhumed Kosar, challenged graduates to embrace innovation, integrity, and resilience to meet global demands. He reaffirmed the Council’s vision to make the university a hub of applied science, technology, and innovation.
“We want to invest in innovation hubs where graduates can incubate businesses and create jobs. It is an investment in national productivity, competitiveness, and the bottom-up economic transformation agenda,” said Dr Kosar. He appealed for increased government funding for digital infrastructure, research laboratories, and technical facilities.
Dr Kosar also thanked private partners and the local community for their contribution toward improving accommodation and social amenities, which he said have created an enabling environment for learning and research.
“We are equally grateful to our local communities and private partners whose commitment to ambitious accommodations and social amenities has enabled the university to remain focused on the core mission of training, research and innovation,” said Dr Kosar.
He added that with the rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence, climate change, and global trade, Kenya’s youthful graduates must prove they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best globally.
University Chancellor Fred Ojiambo reaffirmed the institution’s mission is to train and develop skilled human resources equipped with innovative and entrepreneurial abilities to meet the demands of a dynamic world.
By Mutai Kipngetich
