Kibabii University in Bungoma County celebrated a major milestone during its 10th graduation ceremony, conferring degrees to more than 1,500 graduands and pushing its total alumni to 12,667 since its inception ten years ago.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo, attributed the success of the institution to community support and focus from all stakeholders.
He was speaking to graduands and members of the public who turned up for the colourful graduation ceremony that was marked today at the University graduation grounds.
“We are happy to celebrate 10 years since inception, having released 11,000 graduates to the world of work. At the end of today, the number will rise to more than 12000 graduates from this university,” he said.
Prof. Odeo pointed out the graduation comprised the first cohort of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, comprising 48 students, and the first PhD class in Kiswahili, comprising four scholars, terming it a great achievement for the institution’s academic growth.
He said that the institution topped 584 State Corporations and Public Universities in endowment fund performance for the 2024/2025 financial year under the Public Service, scoring 84.41%.
Prof. Odeo said that currently the institution is working on 15 major research projects worth Sh16 million, which he described as one of the institution’s greatest strides in research and innovation.
On staff development, Prof. Odeo noted that the institution has employed more than 15 new staff members in various cadres, while another 60 have received promotions in line with the university’s commitment to strengthening its human resource capacity.
The Principal Secretary in the State Department of Industry, Dr Juma Mukhwana, who attended the event, told the graduates that morality remains fundamental in shaping a meaningful and productive life.
“Morality within society is the surest path to meaningful development in one’s life,” he said.
He asked them to utilise the skills and knowledge acquired and innovate income-generating activities that will contribute to the growth of the economy alongside earning them an income.
Kanduyi Member of Parliament, John Makali, emphasised the need for adequate infrastructure and security in learning institutions, saying they were important for the learning of the students.
“As a government, our focus is to create conditions that allow students to excel,” he said.
He advised the graduands to remain focused and pursue their dreams as they enter the nation’s workforce.
By Catherine Nyongesa
