University of Eldoret held its 1st physical graduation after 5 virtual graduation ceremonies where 3,178 graduands were conferred with degrees and awarded diplomas during a colorful graduation ceremony presided over by the Ag. Chancellor, Dr. Ismail Buro. The congregation witnessed the installation of the 2nd Vice-Chancellor, marked with academic pomp and color, as Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot received the instruments of power, the University Mace, The University Statutes and Charter, the University Seal, the University Logo and the University Academic Programmes. During the ceremony 213 graduands were awarded with Diplomas, 2,841 received Undergraduate Degrees, and 32 obtained Post-Graduate Diplomas. 65 graduands received Masters and 27 were conferred with Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Among the Ph.D. graduands were 3 colleagues of the University of Eldoret, Dr. Mispah Werunga, Dr. Silah Misoi, Dr. Stephen Kimno.
The University Ag. Chancellor congratulated all the graduands while releasing them to the world of work. He advised them to be flexible and adaptable as this would define the heights they will reach. ‘Move out with confidence, use your acquired skills to curve your own niche and identity as you plan your career. If you remain creative, determined, passionate and resolute, it is only a matter of time before you get ahead of many who have graduated before you. The result will be rewarding and your commendable returns will be handsome,’ he said.
The Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Felix Kosgei, who was the Chief Guest during the Graduation Ceremony, congratulated graduands and called the class of 2023 a transformed assembly of young people who had made sacrifices and proven the years of academic investment to achieve the diplomas awarded and the degrees conferred to them. ‘We find ourselves at the moment that opportunity provides the Kenyan takeoff but one that carries its own perils. Our country is at a critical period of transformation. We battle today a threat in the form of corruption, one that has permeated the very heart and soul of our society and continues to undermine our economic and social development ideals. It distorts public spending and discourages investment and growth as many potential investors can’t predict the cost of their investment decisions and undermines governance and public trust in the States’ credibility,’ he said. He challenged the graduands to use their acquired progressive education to transform their thinking so as to influence the issues and various challenges like corruption that are experienced in the society. He noted that with the challenge of unemployment, the governments’ focus is to increase opportunities for economic empowerment for the youth who form the bulk of the labour force and are critical in the generation of economic growth. The government, he said, has placed emphasis on technical, industrial and entrepreneurship training to encourage innovation in science and technology. Universities were challenged to come up with robust educational curricular designed to equip and enable learners to develop intellectual capacities relevant to the world of today, get rid of duplication of degree programs, rationalize the staffing levels, the financial management structures and incorporate good corporate governance principles in the management of their operations. He encouraged the graduands to have a healthy optimism and be confident as they faced the world as they strive to make a positive difference, doing what others have not done by being creative and innovative, not waiting to be employed but create employment, venture into business, expand their horizons and abilities, be risk-takers and care for the less fortunate. ‘No one is created to be a failure. Failure is a creation of an individual,’ he concluded.
The Principal Secretary, State Department of Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala congratulated the graduands and advised them that they were transitioning to work fully equipped with knowledge and skills to undertake their future endeavors they need to be good ambassadors of the University. She mentioned that the University of Eldoret exemplified and nurtured a special cadre of leaders in key areas of the economy. On behalf of the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Education, she pledged that the Ministry would support Prof. Cheruiyot as he builds his team to shape the University’s next growth phase of life. She requested the University staff to rally behind the Vice-Chancellor as he leads in the transformative task while nurturing the students placed in their hands.
In his speech the Uasin Gishu Governor, Hon, Jonathan Bii, he underscored the pivotal role of technology in education and the immense potential it offered to shape the future of the graduands. ‘Your ability to adopt, innovate and apply acquired knowledge will be instrumental in navigating the multifaceted challenges and seizing the opportunities that await you in your chosen fields. We are in need of methodological technologies that can not only revolutionize current technologies but also enhance the sustainability and productivity of our local enterprises,’ he said.
As he congratulated the class of 2023, Hon. Wisley Rotich, the Elgeyo Marakwet Governor urged the graduands to be the solvers of challenges, not so looking for jobs but be job creators and industrialists to make Kenya a place to be desired by all.
Hon. Dr. Yulita Mitei Cheruiyot, the Deputy Governor of Nandi County congratulated the graduands as she advised them that education was not only an equalizer but the key to opening the doors to the next phase of their lives.
The Moiben Constituency Member of Parliament, Hon. Prof. Phylis Bartoo congratulated the graduands and welcomed them to settle within the constituency which is blessed with land, create employment opportunities and raise the economic and social development standards.
Hon. Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar asked the class of 2023 to go out and carry the name of the University and build it as the county is waiting for them as reliable and dependable Kenyans to give direction. She advised them to start with small beginnings. Being the Chairperson of the UoE Endowment Fund Trust, she thanked the University academic and administrative staff for initiating the Endowment Fund which would soon start offering scholarships to deserving students. She told the class of 2023 the acquired skills and knowledge received should not be confined to the walls and corridors of the University. She urged them to be innovative and implement the brilliant ideas attained for the betterment of their future and the nation at large. ‘In this competitive society, those who will excel are those who will unleash their creativity and explore the various opportunities that await them. Go out in confidence and make the seemingly impossible possible, as you have what it takes. You have the skills, be creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaborations, so take those networks that bring the opportunities and they will help you realize your dreams,’ she said.
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