Varsity celebrates 50th Graduation as Kenya turns 50

Abstract

The highlight of the ceremony was the installation of the new Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi who replaced Dr. Joseph Wanjui whose term came to an end.

Over 9,000 graduands were conferred with Degrees and awarded Diplomas and the third Doctor of Science (DSc.) in the University’s history was awarded to Prof. David M. Ndetei. The ceremony drew graduands mainly from the Colleges of: Health Sciences and Humanities and Social Sciences.

In her inauguration speech, Dr. Rattansi congratulated the graduands and challenged them to contribute, “in any small way, to the socio-economic development of the country.” She charged the graduands to “take the road not taken and be runaway successes.” Dr. Rattansi called on the alumni association to contribute in cash and in kind to make this institution a sterling example. She called on them to take it as a personal challenge to make the University a better place for the future generation.

The Chairman of Council, Dr. Idle Farah said that the Council is committed to maintaining good industrial relations with the unions for the mutual benefit of the University and all staff members as well as creating and ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment within the university premises for the student community.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Magoha, said the University is enhancing infrastructural capacity by constructing the 22-storey University tower at the main campus to house the increasing academic activities. Other infrastructural activities include the School of Pharmacy complex and the expansion of the Kisumu campus whose works are on schedule. He said that demonstrates that our strong brand equally has strong supporting systems that make our higher education environment not only conducive but interesting for learning. He also pleaded with the government to improve the welfare of staff to stem the brain drain that is hurting the higher education sector.

The 50th Graduation brought the tally of graduates this year to over 14,200 and increased the alumni of the University of Nairobi to 160,000. Present during the graduation was the Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Francis Kimemia, Former Chancellor, Dr. Joseph Wanjui, Former Chairman of Council and currently Chancellor, Pwani Univeristy, Dr. John Simba among others.

The University of Nairobi congratulates the class of 2013 and wishes them well.