The government has committed to continue providing support to universities to enhance research capacity.
Director of Education in the State Department for University Education and Research, Dr David Watene pledged that Government will provide the necessary support in terms of infrastructure to facilitate and assist universities in meeting their objectives and executing their mandate.
Watene, who was the Chief Guest during the 10th Graduation Ceremony of Rongo University in Migori County, noted that modernising infrastructure, including Information Communication Technology (ICT), laboratories, libraries and housing units within the institutions of higher learning, will help improve the quality of learning and promote research and innovation.
“It is important to develop an agenda that will empower institutions of higher learning in research development to contribute positively not only here in Kenya but also to advance regional development,” he said.
Watene acknowledged that the knowledge, skills, character and creativity garnered by graduates will help to anchor local economic growth and maximise productivity for the country.
“Your graduation today is not only about individual growth and success but also a signal contributor to the entire society, where communities will be uplifted with the hope for a better nation,” said Watene.
Watene, who represented Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba at the graduation ceremony, urged the universities to focus more on research and innovation to contribute significantly to the growth of the country.
Rongo University Vice Chancellor Prof. Samuel Gudu applauded the 1600 students who were conferred with various degrees, including PhDs, Master’s, Bachelors, Diplomas and certificates for their hard work and dedication.
Prof. Gudu said that the skills and knowledge gained during the schooling process were not only qualifications for self-growth and development but also qualification tools for change, equity, progress and solutions for all of society.
“Your achievements, aspirations and commitment today from this institution of higher learning should not only help you solve your problems and help you secure employment but rather be instruments that can tackle and solve challenges facing the world like Climate Change,” explained Gudu.
Gudu encouraged the graduates to have courage for any meaningful change to occur, adding that the world needs individuals who are compassionate and problem solvers to rewrite history.
The VC disclosed that the university was focusing more on research through community engagement to make the institution a transformative centre, a world-class digital institution driven by entrepreneurship programmes to align its students with market trends.
He also disclosed that in 2026, the institution will review its courses and introduce medicine and law faculties to cater for more course programmes.
Joel Omondi, a Master’s student who graduated with an MA in Education, said that the skills acquired will help him improve his teaching professionalism and contribute positively to society.
“Education is continuous and an avenue to sharpen our thinking and energise our thoughts on how to improve ourselves academically,” said Omondi.
By Awuor Andy and Makokha Khaoya
