By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 30 January 2026 - President William Ruto on Friday joined residents of Kisumu and students to grace the 5th graduation ceremony of Uzima University, held at the institution’s main campus in Kisumu County, marking a significant milestone for the young university and its graduating class.
The Head of State arrived in the lakeside city early accompanied by Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo, CS Education Dr Julius Ogamba and PS higher education Dr Beatrice Inyangala.
He was also flanked by Migori governor Dr Ochilo Ayacko, Kisumu Deputy governor Dr Mathews Owili, Rarieda MP Dr Otiende Amollo, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, Kisumu central MP Dr Joshua Oron,Nyando MP Jared Okello, East counterpart, Shakeel Shabbir.
The leaders were received by a host of national and county leaders among others.
The ceremony drew the attendance of several Members of Parliament, governors, senior government officials, local leaders, and university dons, underscoring the importance of the event both academically and politically.
Graduands, parents, guardians, and invited guests filled the graduation grounds in a colourful celebration of academic achievement and perseverance.
President Ruto is expected to emphasise the critical role of education in driving Kenya’s socio-economic transformation, with a particular focus on healthcare training, innovation, and youth empowerment.
Uzima University, which specialises in health sciences and related disciplines, has positioned itself as a key contributor to the country’s healthcare workforce, especially in underserved regions.
The President’s presence at the ceremony is also seen as a boost to higher education institutions outside major urban centres, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting decentralized development and expanding access to quality education across the country.
Local leaders welcomed the President’s visit, noting its positive impact on the region’s profile and development agenda.
As part of the ceremony, hundreds of students are being awarded degrees and diplomas across various disciplines, officially joining the professional world.
The 5th graduation ceremony not only celebrates individual success stories but also reflects Uzima University’s steady growth since its establishment.
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The event concluded with optimism and renewed commitment to excellence, service, and nation-building among the graduating class.
Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Uzima University Rev. Fr. Prof. Cosmas Rhagot K'Otienoh, DVC Finance and Administration Omulo Okal, Chancellor Prof Oyuko Mbeche, VC Father Cosmas, Education CS Julius Ogamba, and Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary, the State Department for Higher Education and Research, Ministry of Education paired and worked so hard to make the occasion, a success.
Prof Raghot noted the Uzima is now recognised in Africa as one of the best medical training institutions.
"We have developed Uzima university to a world class and leader among equals in sound medical management," said Prof Raghot.
Established in 2012 to train medical professionals in the region, the institution began as a constituent college of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa before steadily growing into a centre of excellence in health sciences.
Founded by Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth, the university was envisioned as a response to the need for quality medical training in the Great Lakes region, with a strong focus on ethics, service, and innovation. It officially opened its doors on August 27, 2012, admitting an initial cohort of 21 students and concentrating on medicine, surgery, and nursing.
Over the years, the institution expanded its academic offerings to include programmes in Microbiology, Clinical Medicine, and Community Health, strengthening its role in healthcare training and research.
A major milestone was reached on 8 May 2025, when President William Ruto awarded it a charter, elevating it to a fully-fledged private university specialising in health sciences.
Today, the university is widely recognised for producing morally upright, skilled, and innovative healthcare professionals, with a strong emphasis on research, community service, and improving healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings.
Ruto today makes his inaugural physical presence to fortify it's charter and give it a thumbs up to carry on with it' skills and innovation and creativity to boost to resource tool--the young people in health sphere which is fundamental to socio economic transformation agenda for Kenya today.
