The University of Eldoret (UoE) 14th Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025 saw the conferment of Doctor of Philosophy Degrees, Master’s Degrees, Award of Postgraduate Diplomas, Conferment of Undergraduate Degrees and Award of Ordinary Diplomas.
The Conferment and Awards were done in various fields of study, including Agriculture and Biotechnology, Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Economics and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management.
Speaking during the event, the UoE Acting Chancellor, Dr Ismail Buro Hassan, noted that the event signifies a moment of achievement, perseverance and transformation for the students and the university, whose guiding principles have shaped the journey by providing quality education, training, research and scholarship in science, agriculture, engineering, technology and the arts.
He called the graduates to go and serve their communities in the areas they have trained in and empower them through innovative solutions to address real-life challenges in society.
“Let integrity guide your choices, innovation spark your solutions, equity shape your leadership, excellence define your work, and customer centricity inspire your service to others. The University of Eldoret has prepared you not to succeed in your careers alone but also to empower your communities and lead Kenya towards a brighter future,” alluded the UoE Acting Chancellor.
While acknowledging that graduates are stepping into a world undergoing rapid technological transformation, Dr Hassan said knowledge, creativity and curiosity place them at the centre of this revolution and that they should harness the reinvented industries to address emerging issues.
“Whether through digital innovation, data-driven solutions, scientific discovery, or entrepreneurial venture, you carry the capacity to harness technology, not only to advance your career, but to redesign industries and solve emerging global challenges. Not forgetting that you are vital contributors to national development,” added Dr Hassan.
He affirmed that the world is looking to young people, especially graduates, who will provide solutions to complex challenges that define our era. Issues such as complex climate challenges, environmental degradation, global health threats, technological inequities, and geographical tensions that demand both informed and globally minded leadership.
The UoE Acting Chancellor emphasised that the graduates’ new ideas, innovations and commitment to positive change will help strengthen institutions, inspire new economic pathways and enhance the delivery of essential services.
“In a thriving democracy like ours, your voice and active participation matter very much. As educated citizens, you are called upon to champion integrity, uphold accountability, and engage in constructive dialogue that protects and nurtures our democratic values,” he said.
He indicated that their exposure to research and innovation at the University of Eldoret positions them not only as beneficiaries of knowledge but also as creators of solutions.
Whether contributing to global policy discussions, participating in international scientific collaborations, or engaging in community-driven change initiatives, they represent a powerful force for a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world.
The Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, through a speech delivered by Secretary of Education Dr. Milton Njuki, affirmed the State Department’s support for higher institutions of learning to ensure the universities produce quality graduates with sustainable competitiveness in the dynamic socio-economic and even political arenas.
“Our policy formulation, standard-setting and coordination ensure that your education meets the highest quality standards, is globally competitive and equips you to thrive in an ever-changing world by maintaining academic excellence and fostering research and knowledge,” she said.
She emphasised the need to empower graduates to become prominent forward-thinking entrepreneurs and leaders in every sector of society and bring impact to the communities while encouraging the graduates, as they step forward, to think boldly, dream big and act with courage.
“Use your knowledge to tackle society’s challenges, create opportunities and appeal to those around you. Let your ideas inspire change, your efforts shape progress and your innovations lead to a lasting impact,” noted the PS.
Noting that everyone has the potential to drive Kenya’s development and to contribute diligently to the world, the PS indicated that the Government of Kenya, with a central plan, remains committed to supporting higher education and research so that future generations can achieve a balance of innovation and transformation and provide opportunities for students to translate knowledge into action.
Inyangala further urged universities to expand their training to accommodate even the students from marginalized areas in order to support the achievement of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“We want to see universities having an impact out there. Let us not only remain within the training of lesser communities, through the large arm of the Commission for University Education and Community Outreach. Let us be seen out there; let us be the world, the bottom-up transformation agenda cannot be realised if our universities do not move outside their gates,” she noted.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
