Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kakamega held a vibrant ceremony as the institution conferred diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and PhDs to more than 5,064 graduands.
The event was presided over by two principal secretaries from the State Department for Higher Education, Dr Jane Kerre Imbunya and Dr Beatrice Inyangala.
Addressing the graduates at the university’s graduation square, Dr Imbunya congratulated them for their resilience and hard work.
“As a dean and senior lecturer at Kaimosi Friends University, I understand the long nights, sacrifice and determination behind every gown worn today,” she said. “You are not just receiving certificates. You are receiving a mandate to help build the future of Kenya and the wider world.”
She urged the graduates to embrace confidence as they enter a fast-changing job market, noting that both industry and graduates are evolving digitally.
“May your journey be bold and meaningful for Kenya and the world,” she said.
Dr Inyangala, the PS for Higher Education, also celebrated the milestone and conveyed greetings from Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Julius Ogamba Migosi.
She highlighted the university’s growth from the former Western College to a constituent college of Moi University and eventually to a fully chartered university.
“Today we honour the dream of the institution’s founders,” she said. “They would be proud to see sons and daughters of this region standing here in their gowns.”
She recognised MMUST’s contribution to reshaping Western Kenya through innovation and economic development.
Dr Inyangala paid tribute to the late President Mwai Kibaki, the university’s first chancellor, for laying a strong foundation, and to the late Masinde Muliro, whose legacy of unity and community empowerment continues to define the university’s identity.
She emphasised President William Ruto’s commitment to education under the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda, pointing to the new university funding model, reduced fees, expanded scholarships, and a renewed focus on Competency-Based Education.
“MMUST has proven to be a place where academics and talent meet,” she said, praising the university’s strong rugby team and urging the administration to broaden support for sports such as golf, football, martial arts and athletics.
With the first cohort of Competency Based Education expected in 2029, Dr Inyangala said the ministry is ready. She commended the university’s prudent financial management, which recently earned it an international certificate.
“My ministry is working with all universities on financial governance, and I am pleased that MMUST has already set the stage,” she said.
She also thanked parents for their sacrifices and encouraged graduands to step into the future with boldness.
“There are opportunities everywhere, including digital work and overseas placements. Do not be selective,” she advised. She encouraged them to engage with the National Employment Authority and introduced Dr Imbunya as the official in charge of jobs nationwide.
University council chairperson Dr Pamela Sitienei congratulated the MMUST community on the success of the 22nd graduation. She highlighted the council’s achievements over the past three years, including governance reforms, the development of the 2024–2028 strategic plan, unveiling of the master plan, restructuring of governance systems, e-Citizen integration and improved human resource systems.
Dr Sitienei announced that her company, Star Charged Company, will recruit the top ten graduates from civil engineering, mechanical engineering, renewable energy and business programmes for positions in Niger, Accra and Abidjan.
“Congratulations on your impressive performance. As ambassadors of MMUST, we look forward to seeing you shine,” she said.
She challenged the Kakamega County Government to deepen its partnership with the university for the benefit of the region.
According to Dr Sitienei, professional reward comes in three forms: demand for one’s skills, the ability to do desired work and the difficulty of replacing an individual.
“In 2025, may you not be easily replaced because you have succeeded,” she told the graduates.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Solomon Shibairo congratulated the graduands for their hard work and resilience. He noted that despite the challenges many faced, he was proud to see them complete their studies and wished them success in their next steps.
