University graduates have been advised to seek travel passports to enable them to leave the country and find employment abroad due to the stiff competition and limited employment opportunities in Kenya.
Speaking during the 13th graduation ceremony at Kisii University, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education, Julius Ogamba, told the graduates that the degrees, diplomas, and certificates they acquired would enable them to work anywhere in the world. He urged them to expand their job search beyond Kenya.
“You have been equipped with enough skills and quality knowledge that will enable you to work anywhere in the world. I challenge you to build rapport with people for your survival,” he said.
Regarding the general development of universities in the country, he stated that the government has spent Sh. 41 billion since 2023 to sponsor qualified students from various universities through quality scholarships.
While admitting that most universities in the country face financial challenges, with a debt of Sh. 70 billion, the CS assured the public of the government’s commitment to gradually offsetting the debts to ensure smooth operations in the institutions.
He thanked vice-chancellors from all universities across the country for their tolerance in accommodating first-year students who reported without fees due to the prevailing financial constraints in the country.
“I thank all our vice-chancellors who exhibited a parental attitude toward these students and accommodated them as the government adjusted its programs to process their education funds through the new model of funding,” he said.
The CS praised Kisii University’s Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Nathan Ogechi for his swift actions in giving the university a solid development foundation, not only in terms of academic standards but also in infrastructure, transport, and communication sectors.
He highlighted the renovation of two buildings housing the modern science laboratories, the purchase of two additional buses and an ambulance van to ease the movement of students and staff, and to ensure quick access to medical facilities for students’ welfare.
On the delay in the opening of the proposed Nyamira University, Ogamba said that he was pleased with the progress, although the establishment faced legal hurdles posed by a few dissatisfied locals.
“I am happy to report that progress is going well because those who sought legal redress regarding the university’s establishment are resolving the differences over its location, and soon we will see positive results,” he said.
He urged residents to be patient and give the Commission for Higher Education enough time to find a workable solution regarding the establishment of the new university.
The CS was accompanied by Kisii County Governor Simba Arati and many other leaders from the region and beyond.
Governor Arati praised the university’s administration for their consistent support of quality education and for producing competent professionals who work diligently both at home and abroad.
He encouraged the graduates to apply for job opportunities in the county whenever vacancies are advertised and promised to give priority to graduates from Kisii University, as charity begins at home.
He commended the amicable relationship between the institution and the surrounding community, attributing it to the self-discipline and maturity displayed by the students.
He also thanked the university’s chaplaincy department, headed by Fr. Lawrence Nyaanga, for their steadfast spiritual and moral support for both students and teaching staff.
He cautioned both graduates and continuing students against indulging in drugs and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can impair their mental and physical well-being.
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Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof. Nathan Ogechi congratulated the 3,794 graduates, their parents, and guardians for completing their academic journey.
He urged the new graduates to embrace resilience in the outside world.
“Kisii University has armed you with the necessary timeless professional skills. It is now upon you to use them prudently for your own benefit and for the benefit of the rest of the world,” he said.
Among the graduates, 37 were awarded doctorate degrees, 19 received master’s degrees, while the rest were conferred with bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates in various disciplines.
By Enock Okong’o.