Uhuru Kenyatta Urges Graduates to Embrace Integrity, Innovation and Service

By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter

Kenya, 19 December 2025 - Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on Kenyan graduates to embrace integrity, innovation, and service as they step into an increasingly globalised world, saying the country’s future depends on young people who can turn challenges into opportunities.

Speaking during the Kabarak University graduation ceremony in Nakuru, Uhuru congratulated the graduating class, their families, and the university community, saying, “It is an honour to join all of you today for this year’s graduation ceremony, and I am deeply humbled to celebrate this milestone with you.” He added, “I extend my warmest congratulations to every graduate, your families, and indeed the entire Kabarak community.”

Uhuru noted that Kabarak University was founded on strong values by its founder, the late President Daniel arap Moi, saying the institution was built “on a vision of peace, excellence and service,” with the aim of nurturing young men and women “not only in knowledge, but also in character.” He said the graduation of 2,385 students was proof that the founding vision remained alive, adding, “Today, as we witness the graduation of 2,385 candidates, we see that vision alive and thriving.”

Reflecting on the university’s growth, Uhuru said its journey from graduating a few hundred students in its early years to thousands today showed how far it had come. “From the early years when the university graduated just a few hundred students to the thousands graduating today, it is evident that Kabarak University has grown into a centre of higher education in Kenya and beyond,” he said.

The former president placed strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, describing it as critical to national development. “Entrepreneurship is an integral part of any developing nation,” Uhuru said. “Kenya’s future depends on innovators who can transform challenges into opportunities.”

He praised Kabarak University for nurturing innovation, noting that students had already translated theory into practical solutions. “Several students, guided by faculty and mentors, have translated scientific theories into impressive prototypes, some of which have already been copyrighted in readiness for commercialisation,” he said.

Uhuru also highlighted the importance of partnerships, commending the university for its local and international collaborations. “I take note of the notable partnerships and memorandums of understanding that the university has entered into with institutions of notable repute,” he said, adding that such collaborations were essential for research, innovation and global competitiveness.

Addressing the graduating class directly, Uhuru reminded them of their responsibility as ambassadors of both the institution and the country. “You are stepping into a globalised world,” he said. “I ask you to carry the name of Kenya and Kabarak University proudly wherever you go.” He urged them to make excellence a way of life, saying, “Excellence must be your daily habit. The discipline of integrity, consistency and service must be your hallmark.”

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He told the graduates that leadership was not something to be postponed. “As you step out, remember that you are the leaders of Kenyans today, not just tomorrow,” Uhuru said.

The former president congratulated the university’s leadership, faculty and staff for their work, saying, “Such achievements reflect the university’s commitment to its students, and I commend the leadership for its vision.” He welcomed the rollout of new academic programmes set to begin in January 2026, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, saying, “STEM is indeed the future.”

Uhuru cited new programmes including medical laboratory sciences, data science, pharmaceutical management, manufacturing and chemistry, saying they would give students “a competitive edge globally.” He also acknowledged British Council-supported academic collaborations, noting that these initiatives would strengthen advanced legal education and position the university as a continental leader in judicial training.

In his closing remarks, Uhuru paid tribute to parents and guardians, saying, “Allow me to pay tribute to the most important people here, our parents and guardians, who have sacrificed so much to see their children succeed. Their dedication is the foundation of our future.”

He concluded by reminding graduates of the broader purpose of their education.

“The degrees you hold are not just credentials; they are tools to build a better Kenya and a better world,” Uhuru said, adding, “True leadership is measured by service. True success is measured by service.”