By James Wakahiu
There was pomp and pageantry at the assembly ground of Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) in Kigali, Rwanda was on Friday morning as excited graduands in gowns, suits and dresses escorted by friends and families gathered to celebrate the 22nd graduation of the East African institution.
Those who were celebrated at the Kigali campus are 425 graduates who make up 10 per cent of the total graduands from MKU’s 11 campuses around East Africa. The graduation saw a total 4,500 graduands completing their studies in different disciplines at the regional celebration that took place at the university’s main campus in Thika town and streamed live to graduates in Kigali.
Congratulating the graduands, MKU Chancellor John J. Struthers challenged them to make use of the resources invested in them and apply their skills to transform their societies. “Despite the major challenges of the pandemic, MKU has continued to establish strategic partnerships at National, Continental and Global levels,” he said
Prof. Struthers said that the experiences of the last two years have taught them much about resilience, hope and determination.
“Today is a milestone in your life’s journey and one that you will remember for the rest of your life. I know that your family and communities have sacrificed much to support you in your studies, and they will be celebrating today along with you,” he said.
MKU Vice Chancellor Prof. Deo Jaganyi said MKU Rwanda has specialised in Hospitality and Tourism Training among other programmes.
Early this month, the School of Hospitality and Tourism participated in the Rwanda Tourism Week.
“MKU Rwanda emerged the best in Rwanda Excellence Awards 2022, being the best in the country in the training of Hospitality and Tourism,” said Prof Jaganyi.
He said construction of a state-of-the-art five-star hotel is ongoing in Kigali, Rwanda which will be one of its kind in the region intended to create a platform for hands-on learning to students and also give them internships opportunities,” he said.
According to MKU Rwanda Vice-Chancellor Designate Edwin Odhuno, the university during its 12 years in existence in Rwanda has focused on continuous improvement, thereby building a distinguishable academic character.
“You can’t attain academic excellence unless you have qualified, well-trained instructors who can guarantee you that. I am delighted to report that we have sustained that culture,” he said.
MKU founder and Chairman of the Board of directors, Prof. Simon Gicharu said there is always some danger when a university fails to adequately open itself outwardly to allow a continuous interaction with the local community.
“When it fails to open up for the community interaction, it becomes a mysterious ivory tower,” he noted.
He assured the MKU fraternity of his Board’s commitment to provide necessary equipment and facilities to ensure that MKU is opened up to local communities in adequate ways as has been experienced in the past.
Cedrick Ishimwe, one of the graduands in Kigali, said that the graduation marks an initiation to a new chapter of life. “There are countless opportunities out there waiting for people like us,” he said.
Ange Mutesi, who graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement, said she has had a great experience at the campus, meeting different people from different countries.
The campus plans to roll out a Master of Science in Nursing programme by September 2023. The planned programme is further testimony that MKUR continues to respond to the labour market needs.
