Friday; September 22, 2023, The University of Nairobi celebrated its 69th graduation ceremony, a remarkable milestone that not only marked the culmination of academic journeys but also stood as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the transformative power of education.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries. Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, the outgoing Chancellor, presided over the proceedings, and the Chief Guest was none other than Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, the PS of Higher Education. Under the overarching theme of "Transforming the Society by Nurturing Resilient Human Capital," this graduation ceremony radiated optimism and underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping a better future.

The core of any graduation ceremony is, of course, the graduates themselves. This year, the Faculty proudly graduated 392 candidates, a diverse group that included 24 Masters Degree recipients, 367 Bachelors Degree recipients, and 1 Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Their names were called out with pride by the Dean, Prof. Ayub Gitau, at the Chancellor's court.

Chancellor Rattansi, in her heartfelt speech, shared her reflections on her time as Chancellor and expressed her immense pride in the graduating class. She lauded the graduands as the University's finest, highlighting the valuable lessons learned during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic. Globalization and a global perspective emerged as crucial takeaways, and she expressed her profound gratitude for the opportunity to confer degrees upon this remarkable cohort.

In her address, Chief Guest Dr. Beatrice Inyangala commended the University of Nairobi for its unwavering commitment to producing high-quality human capital, even amidst formidable challenges. She emphasized that the return to physical graduations, the first since 2019, symbolizes the University's remarkable resilience in overcoming the impact of the pandemic.

Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, the Chair of Council, offered his heartfelt congratulations to the graduands. He affirmed that the knowledge and skills acquired during their time at the University have fortified them to face the challenges and seize the opportunities that await. He expressed his hope that these graduates will use their newfound expertise to contribute significantly to society's betterment.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kiama, noted the significance of this graduation as it marked a return to the cherished tradition of physical ceremonies. He also revealed that preparations were underway to welcome approximately 11,000 new students to the University of Nairobi, beginning on the 25th of September 2023. The future, it seems, is bright and promising.

As these graduates embark on the next chapter of their lives, the University of Nairobi stands confident that they will be torchbearers of positive change and make indelible contributions to society. It reminded us all that, even in the face of challenges, we can rise, adapt, and thrive.

Livestream of Graduation Ceremony:

Part 1 and Part 2