Position Kenya on innovation world map, Uhuru urges graduands

President William Ruto with KANU party leader Gideon Moi during the 21st graduation ceremony at Kabarak University on December 19, 2025/ 4th President

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged young Kenyans graduating from universities to embrace a global outlook and build the country into an international center for innovation and excellence.

Speaking as Chief Guest at Kabarak University’s 21st Graduation Ceremony, Uhuru urged the 2,390 graduates who received degrees, diplomas and certificates to apply their academic skills toward strengthening Kenya’s competitiveness in science, technology and innovation.

“You are entering a world where borders are less important than ideas. Kenya is already recognised for leadership in ICT, fintech and renewable energy,” he said.

“With your skills, you can position Kenya as a hub of innovation, not just in Africa, but globally.”

Uhuru congratulated the graduands and commended the University for upholding its founding mission of quality learning grounded in ethics and service, a legacy of its founder, the late President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi.

“Today, as we witness the graduation of 2,390 candidates, we see that vision alive and thriving,” he said.

“Kabarak University has grown from graduating a few hundred students to thousands today, becoming a beacon of higher education in Kenya and beyond, just as Mzee Moi envisioned.”

He highlighted the institution’s increasing focus on applied research, saying student innovations had transitioned from prototypes to patents and commercialisation.

He further pointed to the rollout of new programs in areas such as STEM, Data Science, Pharmacy, Chemistry and Judicial Science, describing them as steps toward preparing the country for emerging global opportunities.

Kabarak University Chancellor Gideon Moi reaffirmed the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, announcing the commissioning of a renewable energy project intended to power learning and research activities.

“We are commissioning the first phase of our renewable energy project, providing reliable, clean power for uninterrupted learning, research, and innovation,” Moi said.

“This milestone reinforces Kabarak University’s leadership in sustainable education, positioning us as a pioneer in Africa.”

The graduation ceremony marked a milestone for the private university, which continues to expand academic offerings and invest in infrastructure to support training in market-driven, research-based disciplines.

This comes a week after Uhuru called on young Africans to seize leadership opportunities now, warning that those who wait for the future to hand them power risk missing their moment.

Speaking on December 16, during the IGAD Leadership Academy (ILA) Annual Alumni Conference at Windsor Hotel, Nairobi, Uhuru told delegates that the notion of “leaders of tomorrow” is misleading, urging the youth to act boldly in shaping Africa’s destiny.

“If you continue believing you are the leaders of tomorrow, that tomorrow will never come,” he said.

“You are the leaders of today. Your ideas, your courage, your personal commitment will shape the future of Africa.”

The former President reminded the young audience that Kenya’s early leaders including Tom Mboya and Kenneth Matiba began shaping the nation in their twenties, proving that youth is not a barrier to impact.