Kirinyaga University has marked a decade since its elevation to a fully-fledged public university, celebrating significant growth in academic programmes, infrastructure, research and graduate output as it looks to strengthen its role in Kenya’s higher education sector.
The institution’s 10th anniversary celebrations highlighted its transformation from a young university college into a growing centre of higher learning offering more than 100 academic programmes, up from the 13 degree programmes it offered at the beginning of its journey.
Speaking during the celebrations, Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Mary Ndung’u said the milestone reflected 10 years of deliberate investment in academic excellence, innovation and holistic human development.
“Today is not merely a ritual of conferment; it is a historic milestone. We are here to celebrate a decade of profound transformation, unwavering focus, uncompromising excellence and monumental growth,” she said.
Ndung’u noted that the university had expanded its curriculum to respond to changing labour market demands, both locally and internationally, with the aim of equipping students with skills relevant to the evolving economy.
She said the institution had also invested in modern infrastructure to support teaching, learning, research and innovation.
The facilities include specialised workshops, modern laboratories, information and communication technology infrastructure and interactive smartboards designed to promote practical and collaborative learning.
The Vice-Chancellor challenged graduates to apply their skills ethically and contribute to sustainable development wherever they secure employment.
She urged them to embrace innovation, provide quality service and uphold excellence, noting that their conduct in the workplace would reflect the values of the institution.
“Do not settle for mediocrity; be the innovators, the ethical leaders, the healing hands and the visionary educators that the world so desperately needs. You are our ambassadors; make us proud,” she said.
Dr Idris Mohammed, University Council Chairman, said the institution had a responsibility to provide quality education that responds to the aspirations of students, families and the country.
He said the Council remained committed to prudent financial management, accountability and responsible allocation of resources to ensure that investments supported the university’s academic mission.
Mohammed noted that the institution had continued to strengthen its performance through the annual performance contract, which helps translate its strategic plan into measurable outcomes.
“The university would continue investing in digital transformation, research, entrepreneurship, industry partnerships and environmentally sustainable development to prepare students for emerging opportunities,” the chairman noted.
He observed that rapid technological changes, including artificial intelligence and automation, were reshaping professions and creating new demands for universities.
However, Mohammed cautioned graduates against relying solely on technical competence, urging them to uphold integrity, humility and a commitment to serving society.
“Competency may open doors for you, but character will determine what you do once the door is open,” he said.
Dr John Gogo, representing the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Higher Education, said the government continued to prioritise higher education as part of its development agenda, noting that universities were essential in producing the skilled workforce required to drive economic transformation.
He urged graduates to embrace integrity, innovation and service, saying their education carried a responsibility to contribute to national development and improve the lives of others.
Gogo also said the government would continue supporting the institution through the student-centred funding model, which is intended to ensure that deserving students can access higher education based on the applicable funding criteria.
University Chancellor Dr Fred Ojiambo traced the institution’s transformation to October 7, 2016, when it received its university charter, marking its transition from a university college to a fully-fledged public university.
He said the institution had grown from offering 13 degree programmes to more than 100 market-driven academic programmes across different disciplines.
Ojiambo also highlighted the university’s postgraduate expansion, including master’s and doctoral programmes intended to strengthen research capacity and develop future researchers and policy thinkers, with an alumni network growing to approximately 16,000 graduates serving in different professional fields in Kenya and abroad.
The chancellor said the graduates represented the university’s contribution to national development and its growing presence in the international labour market.
The celebrations also provided an opportunity for alumni to reflect on the institution’s progress since its early years.
Dr Martin Kamau Muchiri, an alumni representative, recalled joining the institution in September 2012 as part of a pioneer group of approximately 150 students.
He said the university had since expanded its lecture halls, laboratories, digital learning systems and other facilities, transforming the learning environment and increasing opportunities for students.
Muchiri encouraged the Class of 2026 to approach life after university with courage, curiosity and resilience, cautioning that professional journeys often come with unexpected challenges and setbacks.
He urged the graduates to use their education to make a meaningful contribution to society while maintaining a positive outlook as they pursue their ambitions.
“Go out there, make your mark, and serve with purpose, and make us proud,” he said.
The institution’s 10-year milestone, marked alongside the graduation celebrations, reflects its stated ambition to advance its founding mantra, Innovative Technology for a Dynamic World.
By Mutai Kipng’etich
