Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on Friday, December 5 marked a historic academic milestone as it hosted its 22nd Graduation Ceremony at the main campus grounds in Kakamega.
The grand event celebrated the achievements of 5,064 graduands who were conferred degrees and awarded diplomas and certificates across various academic programmes, ranging from PhDs to certificate-level qualifications.
Among the graduands were students from Turkana University College, a constituent college of MMUST, whose participation underscored the University’s expanding footprint and commitment to widening access to quality higher education across Kenya.
The ceremony drew an impressive assembly of national leaders, education stakeholders, faculty, students, parents, and partners who gathered to witness one of the largest and most vibrant graduation events in the institution’s history.
The celebrations were especially honoured by the presence of the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, and Principal Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya, who was among the distinguished guests.
Their participation highlighted the strong collaborative ties between MMUST and the national government in advancing higher education, research, and professional training.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, described the day as a profound moment of pride for the University community.
He commended the graduating class for their determination, perseverance, and academic excellence, noting that their achievements reflected years of resilience, dedication, and sacrifice. Prof. Shibairo emphasized that the Class of 2025 embodied the University’s mission to produce leaders, innovators, and professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to Kenya’s socio-economic development.
He highlighted the remarkable progress the University has made in recent years, including investments in modern infrastructure, improvements in teaching and research facilities, expansion of academic programmes, and strengthened linkages with industry and development partners.
ALSO READ:
Graduates advised to champion good governance and drive socio-economic growth
Prof. Shibairo reiterated MMUST’s commitment to providing holistic education that blends academic knowledge with practical skills, innovation, and ethical leadership. He called upon the graduands to go forth as ambassadors of MMUST’s values, confident in their training and ready to create meaningful impact in their fields.
The Vice Chancellor also commended the faculty and staff for their unwavering dedication to nurturing the intellectual and personal growth of students.
He acknowledged their role in shaping the graduates’ journeys, especially through demanding academic schedules, research supervision, and mentorship. “Our staff have walked with you, encouraged you, and supported you throughout your academic journey. Today, as you graduate, we celebrate not only your achievement, but the collective efforts that made this moment possible,” he said.
Senate Council Chairperson, Dr. Pamela Sitienei, congratulated the graduands and applauded the University leadership for steering MMUST into a new era of academic distinction.
She underscored the importance of equipping graduates with skills that align with emerging global trends, observing that the world is rapidly shifting toward digitalization, creativity, and innovation-driven economies.
Dr. Sitienei reaffirmed the commitment of the Senate Council to safeguarding academic standards, enhancing programme quality, and strengthening the University’s position both locally and internationally.
She reminded the graduates that their education at MMUST had prepared them not only for employment, but also for leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service. “You step out today as representatives of an institution that believes in excellence, integrity, and transformation. Carry those values forward in everything you do,” she urged.
In her keynote address, Chief Guest Dr. Beatrice Inyangala praised MMUST for its exemplary role in expanding access to quality higher education across Kenya. She noted that the University’s dedication to science, technology, engineering, and research-driven programmes directly contributes to national development priorities.
Dr. Inyangala emphasized the importance of continuous innovation in higher education and encouraged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning as the world of work evolves.
The Principal Secretary also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with universities to enhance research output, digital learning infrastructure, and curriculum reforms that address industry needs. She acknowledged MMUST’s efforts in embracing modern teaching approaches and strengthening partnerships with government agencies, international organizations, and the private sector.
ALSO READ:
Dr Muoria and Prof Bitok ranked among top-performing Principal Secretaries
Her sentiments were echoed by Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya who commended MMUST for nurturing a learning environment grounded in creativity, discipline, and critical thinking.
She encouraged the graduates to seize emerging opportunities in the public sector, private enterprises, and entrepreneurial ventures. Highlighting the expanding digital economy, Dr. Imbunya reminded the graduates that their training positions them competitively to navigate modern workspaces and contribute to building a responsive, forward-looking public service.
She lauded MMUST’s commitment to excellence and praised its graduates for their preparedness to contribute to Kenya’s human capital development. “Your success today is a reflection of your hard work and the University’s dedication to producing graduates who embody professionalism, innovation, and adaptability,” she noted.
The participation of Turkana University College added a distinctive highlight to the day. Their inclusion signified MMUST’s expanding role in supporting higher education in marginalised and remote regions.
University leadership reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening constituent colleges, improving academic quality, and empowering students across all campuses.
The graduating class represented a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, including engineering, health sciences, agriculture, business studies, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, education, and security studies.
This diversity reflected MMUST’s robust academic portfolio and its mission to produce graduates who are versatile, employable, and adaptable to various professional environments.
The ceremony also celebrated recipients of academic awards and recognitions, highlighting outstanding research contributions, leadership roles, and exemplary student achievements. For many of the graduands, the day marked the beginning of new careers, postgraduate studies, or entrepreneurial ventures.
MMUST reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to generating knowledge, nurturing talent, and preparing future leaders who will contribute to Kenya’s transformation agenda. The University leadership promised continued investment in academic excellence, digital innovation, research collaboration, and an environment that empowers students to thrive.
With 5,064 graduates stepping confidently into the next chapter of their lives, MMUST’s 22nd Graduation Ceremony stands as a powerful testament to the University’s legacy of excellence, impact, and growth. The institution continues to shine as a pillar of knowledge, a vessel of innovation, and a home of transformative education for generations to come.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
