3000 UoN Graduates charged to Transform Society through Excellence, Knowledge and Innovation
The University of Nairobi has celebrated the graduation of 3,000 students at its 75th Graduation Ceremony, marking another milestone in the University's long-standing contribution to the transformation of individuals, communities, Kenya and the wider world.
Held on Friday, 18 September 2026, at the Chancellor’s Court, the ceremony brought together the Chancellor, Government representatives, University Council and management, faculty and staff, parents and guardians, alumni, partners and the graduating Class of 2026.
Speaking during the ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba congratulated the University and the graduands, noting that universities have a responsibility beyond awarding degrees. They are institutions that shape minds, generate knowledge, nurture leadership and develop solutions to societal challenges.
The CS challenged the graduands to transform their knowledge and skills into solutions, urging them not to focus only on seeking employment but also on creating opportunities, solving problems and contributing to Kenya's economic and social transformation. He noted that artificial intelligence, digital technologies, climate change, automation and emerging forms of work are rapidly changing the world of employment.
The Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Verkooijen, while congratulating the graduands, used the story of Cape Verde's historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup, Prof. Verkooijen drew attention to the idea that seemingly small possibilities can become significant when accompanied by preparation, work and belief. The message to the Class of 2026 was captured in the question: “How big is your 1%?”
He challenged graduates to become builders ,not only of companies, but also of institutions, knowledge and communities. He emphasised that building a better Kenya requires a generation prepared to question what is not working, demand better institutions and contribute to creating them.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairperson of the University Council, Prof. Chacha N. Chacha, reaffirmed Council's support for the University's management as the institution moves into a new chapter under its substantive leadership.
Prof. Chacha emphasised that excellence at the University is a collective responsibility involving academic and non-academic staff alike. He recognised the contributions of lecturers, healthcare workers, grounds staff, cleaners, security personnel, administrators, drivers, cooks, librarians and other members of the University community.
He called on every member of staff to perform their duties with excellence, noting that the strength of the institution depends on every responsibility being faithfully carried out.
He also emphasised the importance of a conducive working environment founded on fairness, accountability and consistent application of institutional policies, while noting that Council was working to address the backlog in staff promotions.
Presenting the Class of 2026 to the Chancellor, University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Eng. Prof. Ayub N. Gitau described the 75th Graduation Ceremony as a celebration of the University's legacy and the generations of graduates who have gone on to serve and lead in different sectors. He noted that more than 300,000 alumni have carried the University's name into fields including medicine, law, engineering, agriculture, health, business, education, science and public service.
He highlighted several achievements recorded during the 2025/2026 academic year, including the University's recognition in global university rankings and the achievements of its researchers and students.
Among the achievements highlighted were the University's representation in five subject areas in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, as well as recognition of staff for research, global scholarship and infrastructure and research resource mobilisation.
The Vice-Chancellor also celebrated student achievements, including the success of University of Nairobi law students at the World Trade Organization Moot Court, where they emerged world champions, and the performance of engineering student Miriam Achieng Kenyatta at the Chinese Bridge competition, where she reached the global Top 15 and Top 3 in Africa.
The University's Alumni Association representative, Dr. Wilson Songa, congratulated the Class of 2026 and reminded the graduands that graduation marked their entry into a distinguished community of University of Nairobi alumni whose knowledge, skills, character and service continue to contribute to society.
He challenged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, lead with character and remain connected to their alma mater.
“Excellence should not end at the graduation ceremony; it should become a way of life,” he said, linking the graduation theme to the graduates' responsibilities beyond the University.
Dr. Songa also called on alumni to support the University's development through initiatives including scholarships, skills laboratories and the Adopt-a-Hostel programme. He described alumni support not simply as charity, but as a way of preserving and strengthening the University's legacy for future generations.
Delivering the Valedictory Address on behalf of the Class of 2026, M'Mwirabua Mark Murimi, a Bachelor of Architecture graduate, reflected on the experiences that shaped the graduating class.
He noted that the graduates came from different backgrounds and disciplines and faced different challenges, but were united by a desire to learn, grow and become better versions of themselves.
Murimi observed that the University had taught graduates that knowledge must be used, collaboration is essential and perseverance is necessary in navigating uncertainty.
Most importantly, he said, education comes with responsibility.
“The knowledge and opportunities we have received are not meant to serve us alone.”
The 75th Graduation Ceremony therefore marked more than the completion of academic programmes. It brought together a reflection on the University's past, recognition of its present achievements and a call to prepare for the future.
For the University, the next chapter will focus on strengthening student success, research and innovation, digital transformation, infrastructure, staff development and strategic partnerships.
For the Class of 2026, the next chapter is one of applying knowledge beyond the lecture hall.
The University of Nairobi congratulates the Class of 2026 and welcomes them to the distinguished community of UoN alumni.
As they step into the world, the charge remains clear: Transform society through excellence, knowledge and innovation.
Watch the UoN 75th Graduation Ceremony
