UoN Convocation is 4504 Stronger as UoN celebrates its 74th Graduation
UoN Convocation is 4504 Stronger as UoN celebrates its 74th Graduation
The University of Nairobi on Thursday, 11th December, 2025 held the 74th Graduation Ceremony that saw 4,504 degrees and Diplomas conferred. 48 PhDs, 905 Masters, 3416 Bachelors, 16 post-graduate diplomas, 14 fellowships and 98 diplomas.
‘We gather today having just navigated a challenging season. The recent industrial action in the university sub-sector was a moment of deep anxiety for the education sector and the nation at large. Our universities are the engine of our economy, and when that engine stalls, the whole nation shivers. The resolution signed on 5th November, 2025 ending the 49-day strike, was not a surrender; it was a victory for patriotism. Dialogue prevailed. It was a commitment to restore trust. I wish to announce that the Government is committed to releasing the two tranches of the outstanding Sh7.9 Billion as agreed within this Financial Year.’
This was announced by CS, Education Hon. Migos Ogamba, the chief guest at the graduation ceremong. He congratulated the graduands and urged universities to prepare for the first CBE cohort in 2029 through curricula and infrastructure. He was speaking into the innovation nature of the CBE.
Prof. Patrick Verkooijen, The Chancellor of the University, underscored the urgency and importance of the University and the graduates for a paradigm shift to Innovation and scaling of Innovation and entrepreneurship, ‘Class of 2025, Your talent is your passport, Your determination is your engine, Your imaginationis your compass. Dream big, Act fast, lead with purpose. We are living through a pivotal moment in history. 620 million new people will be looking for jobs in Africa between now and 2050.This is, in fact, the fastest job market transformation in history. Data moves faster than wind. Ideas travel farther than footprints.That is why you must ACT FAST.Digital transformation is NOT coming — it is already here. It powers finance, communication, health, agriculture, and education. And you, class of 2025, you are stepping into this moment not as passengers — but as pilots.’
Chair of Council, Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti Chacha, while congratulating the graduands, he stressed on the role of Council at the University, ‘you are the newest ambassadors of the University of Nairobi. You are graduating at a time when our country is undergoing major transformation—economically, technologically and institutionally. The theme of this graduation, “Empowering Futures for an Innovative and Technologically Driven World,” is not a slogan; it is a call to action. Our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan aligns with that call, focusing on digitalisation, innovation and commercialisation, people and culture, sustainability, research and community service, and excellence in teaching and learning. You step out today as key actors in that plan, not spectators.’
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jesang Hutchinson, recognized the dignitaries present, congratulated the graduands and highlighted the Institution’s achievements on the research and innovation front.
‘At the institution, we have revised old curricula and introduced new ones, e.g. MSc in AI, a common entrepreneurship course among others, including the launch of the UoN Innovation hub. We were able to attract 88 research grants worth Ksh. 5.4 billion that I reported in the September graduation, and another KShs 1.026 billion between July and November 2025. No of publications estimated at over 1000, some with Impact Factor (IF) of over 19, 9 IPs registered, Over 220 new CAs signed with some potential high impact strategic partnerships anticipated to transform higher education in the UoN and Kenya. These collaborations are modernizing our infrastructure, strengthening our faculties, and enriching the learning experience.’
The Chair of Alumni representative, Hon. Cleopa Mailu, invited the graduands to register for membership at the Alumni Association. ‘As you step into this rapidly changing world, I would like to invite you to focus and embrace the following; Be lifelong learners - Learning must never stop; Lead with character- Innovation must go hand in hand with integrity; Stay connected to your alma mater -Your relationship with this institution does not end today; it evolves. You are joining a community that offers networking opportunities, professionalism and many more that influence the future of this university.’
Dr. Christopher Ombewa, the Valedictorian from BSc, Human Anatomy, congratulated the class of 2025 and shared lessons from the body, ‘The body thrives because countless small parts work in rhythm. And today, I see the rhythm in us – Doctors, Engineers, Nurses, Lawyers, Artists, Scientists, Economists, Teachers – each essential, each determined, each burning forward!For all the time it took, our efforts were quiet but undeniable: the group discussions on empty stomachs, the resilience forged in darkness, the moments that slipped beyond our control, the nights we cried, prayed, and tried again. These were our silent victories – our shared heartbeat.
We are undoubtedly proof that brilliance blooms in adversity, a generation that refuses to surrender.’
Watch the UoN 74th Graduation Ceremony
