University graduates have been urged to put their skills to good use in solving Kenya's social and economic problems.
They include climate change, poverty, disease and hunger.
Public Service CS Prof Margret Kobia said on Friday last week that graduates have learnt a lot of tactics since they started learning virtually because of Covid-19.
The CS spoke at St Paul’s University where she is also the chancellor of the institution
During the varsity's 30th graduation, she said the institution was one of those that did not suspend operations but switched to virtual learning during the pandemic.
She said that the hard times experienced by students mean they are well-equipped to use technology creatively to solve challenges facing Kenya.
Kobia asked graduates to use technology, creativity, positive values ad hard work in their fields of expertise.
“We live in an innovative age where higher education training must be pegged on innovative approaches to solve societal problems” the CS said.
“The last two years has been a difficult season for all Kenyans, organisations and institutions of learning. Covid-19 destabilised all sectors of economy with some companies downsizing, others closing and leaving people without means of livelihood,"Kobia said.
The CS was accompanied by the chairman of the University Council Jackson Sapit, St Paul’s vice chancellor James Kombo, chief guest Dr Agnes Abuom who is the moderator of the World Council of Churches, Central Committee.
Some 1,940 graduates were awarded with certificates, diplomas, degrees, master's and phDs.
The ceremony's theme was “Anchoring innovation, competence and faith to address contemporary global challenges”.
Kombo applauded the graduates for demonstrating hard work, resilience and focus.
“The graduating class of 2021 had options of giving up and going home or staying focused and weathering the storms of the season to finish the journey by adopting the new normal, and they learnt that,” the VC said.
Abuom urged the graduates to remain focused and ready to serve the community that was looking to them for solutions.
“You will be regarded as important, learned and people who can show the society the way forward to solutions as well as guide them," she said. "Guard the values you have and serve without fear."
(Edited by V. Graham)
