Mount Kenya University on Friday, August 7 celebrated the 29th graduation ceremony amid calls for graduates to embrace artificial intelligence, digital skills and emerging technologies as they navigate a fast changing job market.

The young people were also challenged to look beyond traditional employment, use technology to create opportunities and businesses and apply AI responsibly as they seek to shape Kenya’s economic and social future.

Dr Julius Kipngetich, chief executive officer Jubilee Holdings, who was the chief guest during the graduation ceremony, said the society could not afford to ignore its young people, who have now become an integral pillar. He also noted that for the youth to advance, they had to embrace emerging technologies responsibly.

“The youth stand at the bridge of accountability and service that this county and its institutions are demanded of,” said Kipngetich in his keynote speech during the function held at the MKU Graduation Pavillion Happy Valley Gardens in Thika. “The political consciousness this generation has shown is a wake-up call to those in leadership whether private or public sector. We are reminded that the youth of this country carry a special responsibility in shaping modern and future Kenya.”

He further pointed at numerous opportunities in the country, noting that for the young people entering the job market, it was important to figure out where opportunities lie.

“Kenya is ranked the third largest economy in Africa (US$136 billion in GDP). Our leading sectors for job creation are Manufacturing, Agriculture, Wholesale and retail, Education and Construction in that order. This evidence provides us with hope of a better tomorrow, if we all actively and responsibly be the agents of change. By moving yourself forward, you also carry the nation forward, hence a collective responsibility,” he said.

“Further, if you interrogate these figures, you will realise that social change does not happen if we rely only on employment opportunities created by others, but we also ought to create others as the graduating class of 2026. The multiplier effect of one graduate opening a restaurant and employing a cook, buying food products from the farmer, paying the boda-boda for transport is the multiplier effect example in which we all contribute to the overall employment ecosystem and hence the social change we all desire and be able to eke our living from,” he said.

“I encourage you to be responsible citizens. Grasp every opportunity that comes your way.”

Kipngetich also challenged the graduating class to explore opportunities in other markets, noting that success can be found in different areas and countries and by the youth looking at themselves as citizens of Africa and the world.

He also urged the graduands not to abandon their quest for knowledge on graduation but to instead continuously “learn, reskill and upskill” especially in the areas of “digital literacy, data and emerging tools such as artificial intelligence, because the jobs of 2030 will demand competencies that we are yet to see”.

“The AI revolution has provided opportunities for efficiency but has also encouraged laziness and distortion of truth. Always weigh options and choose the truth and facts. If you question, question as a scientist, because in the lecture halls, you have been crafted as one,” he said.

Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, Vice Chancellor MKU, said the institution had continued to embrace market-driven academic programmes through regular curriculum reviews and revitalisation to ensure relevance and responsiveness to emerging industry needs. We have also integrated technology into teaching and learning to enhance academic delivery and student experience.

“In recognition of the growing role of Artificial Intelligence, the University has embraced AI as a transformative tool for teaching, learning, research, and professional development.

Through a strategic partnership with Xinyada Information Technology Company of China, we are offering short professional courses and digital skills programmes that equip students and staff with competencies required in today’s digital economy,” he said.

“The University continues to align its academic offerings with national development priorities and labour market demands. Through the School of Education and the TVET Equip Africa Institute initiative, MKU is leading the implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training, ensuring learners acquire practical, industry-relevant skills that enhance employability, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.”

“At the postgraduate level, the University Senate has approved programmes in emerging fields such as Health Records Management, Mental Health, and Psychiatric Studies, reinforcing our commitment to producing graduates who respond effectively to evolving societal and workforce needs.”

Prof Jaganyi also noted that the university continued to strengthen its position as a leader in research and innovation through strategic partnerships, competitive grant acquisition and global recognition.

Over the first quarter of this year alone, Jaganyi said the university had secured several prestigious international research grants that extend to 2029.

“These include funding from the Gates Foundation, DAAD, Wellcome Trust, and Erasmus+ Mobility exchange Programme, supporting research in maternal health, employability, malaria and gender equality in higher education,” he said.

“To strengthen research capacity, MKU partnered with the Africa Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) to train 46 academic staff through the Africa Research and Support Hub programme.”

He further noted that MKU had continued to gain outstanding recognition on both the continental and global stage through its vibrant innovation ecosystem.

“At the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition 2026 – Africa Region Finals, our Bachelor of Commerce student, Chelangat Mercy, earned the prestigious Gold Award for her innovative project, EduGreenTrack. Competing against leading universities across Africa, her project ranked among the top five innovations on the continent, earning Mount Kenya University the honour of representing Africa at the forthcoming Global Finals in China,” said Jaganyi.

Other areas where MKU students excelled included at the Wege Prize 2026 where a team of four students reached the finals with their EcoScrubber innovation, which transforms toxic emissions into usable construction materials.

Additionally, six MKU students participated in the Africa–Meet Bavaria Innovation Exchange Programme in Germany, where they gained international exposure and industry experience.

In recognition of excellence in research governance, MKU was awarded the Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) Gold Tier Certification by the African Academy of Sciences and Global Grant Community, demonstrating compliance with international grant management standards.

The university also excelled in other areas including being crowned as the Best Overall and Most prolific University for the third consecutive year at the 64th Kenya National Drama Festivals (2026). In sports, MKU put on a strong performance at the Kenya Universities Sports Federation National Games, ranking among the top universities nationally.

“Beyond academics, our students remain active in community service, leadership forums and interfaith initiatives, nurturing graduates who are responsible, compassionate, and socially engaged,” said Jaganyi.

At the graduation ceremony, Dr Vincent Gaitho, Chairman MKU Council, urged the graduating class to strive to make a difference in the society, noting that the education they had received over the years had equipped them with both academic qualifications and ability to think creatively and solve problems.

“You are entering a world that is increasingly interconnected, dynamic and complex. Yet within these challenges lie countless opportunities to make a meaningful difference. As professionals and leaders, you have the power to drive social transformation, promote ethical governance and advance inclusivity in every sphere of life,” he said.

“You are called upon to confront challenges such as poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, technological disruption, and social injustice with courage, innovation, and compassion.”

“Let this year’s graduation theme – Youths as Architects of Social Change, Ethical Governance and Inclusivity — become your rallying call as you transit to your next phase of life. Always remember, your voice matters and your leadership is needed now more than ever. Go forth as agents of positive change, champions of ethical leadership and advocates for inclusivity. Carry the values of Mount Kenya University with pride, serve with integrity, and remain lifelong learners committed to transforming lives and communities.”

Prof John Struthers, Chancellor MKU, noted that the university had continued to strengthen its global standing through strategic partnerships annd international collaborations.

“In order for the youth to thrive in today’s global village, they must adapt to fast changing technology and be competitive and resilient,” he said.

Among the standout collaborations and partnerships that the university continued to xxx include the extensions of MKU’s tenure as the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 9 Hub Chair on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure to 2030.

Others include the operationalisation of the Cloud Computing Laboratory through collaboration with Xinyada ICT Company and leading Chinese higher education institutions, together with continued advancements in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, 5-G technology and Internet-of-Things.

“These demonstrate MKU’s unwavering commitment to preparing graduates for the opportunities and challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. These initiatives reflect a university that continually anticipates the future while remaining firmly committed to solving society’s most pressing challenges,” said Prof Struthers.

Gikera Kahara, chairman MKU Alumni Association urged the graduands to be people of integrity but also cautioned them to take care of their mental health through reaching out to others including sustaining and deepening the networks that they have already built as students.

“To survive and thrive in the competitive and dynamic marketplace, you will need to be resilient when faced by challenging situations. Things might not work on Day 1, or Month 1, or even Year 1. You must not give up. Instead, gather some courage and try again, or even change tact. It is said, successful people are those who refuse to give up even when they fail,” he said.

“In your life journey, do not walk alone, so that you can sustain your mental health. Please tap into the vast MKU alumni network for support. Remember Porter Gale’s (2013) wise words – ‘Your Network is Your Net Worth’.”