Varsity marks 52nd graduation
Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi awards a PhD to a graduate. Looking on is (Left) Prof. Peter Mbithi, ViceChancellor designate, Dr. Idle Farah, Chairman of Council and Prof. George Magoha, Vice-Chancellor.
8, 803 graduands have been conferred and awarded with degrees and diplomas at the University of
Nairobi’s 52nd graduation ceremony by the Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi who was also conferred
with honorary degree in humane letters. Royal Media Group Chairman, Samuel Macharia was also
conferred with doctor of letters. During the ceremony, a record 104 PhDs were conferred bringing
the total Phds awarded by University this year to 123.
Dr. Rattansi was honoured for her philanthropy and charitable work particularly in Education while
Dr. Macharia was honoured for his achievements, particularly in business, community service and
targeted support to the University of Nairobi. The graduation featured graduands from the Colleges
of Health Sciences and Humanities and Social Sciences.
While congratulating the graduates, Dr. Rattansi challenged them to be heroes and light that Kenya
needs. She noted that the University’s research portfolio which has grown to Kshs. 4 billion and that
indeed it is a fitting tribute to the true purpose of a university’s existence, research and knowledge
advancement. Dr. Rattansi challenged the University to review its quest to sustainability and look at
solutions beyond module II in order to ensure the University serves it true mission for existence.
On his part, Chairman of Council, Dr. Idle Farah, revealed that the Council and Chancellor have been
working as a team to develop a common vision for the University. He noted that the management
will embark upon a process of ensuring that the student experience of the University is wholesome.
Dr. Farah appealed to the government to continue to provide finances for the recurrent expenditure
that is required to run the institution so that the University can direct internally generated funds
towards research and infrastructural development.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Magoha urged the government to consider implementing unit costing
in higher education to reduce the deficit which has continually affected universities offering courses
that require a lot of investment in learning materials and personnel. He said that universities
offering courses that require more resources should be financed at a level that is commensurate to
their running costs, as opposed to uniform funding for all government sponsored students.
Prof. Magoha who was addressing his last graduation ceremony as Vice-Chancellor thanked all
stakeholders, family, members of staff and students who have played a leading role in ensuring that
he delivered on the objectives of the university. During the ceremony, Prof. Magoha was given a
standing ovation for the tremendous change the University has realized under his command. The
newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi, was introduced to the congregation by the
Chancellor. Prof. Mbithi will assume office on January 6, 2015.
On her part, Prof. Collete Suda, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
who represented the Cabinet Secretary on the occasion challenged Universities to undertake
research that is geared towards innovation and knowledge transfer through incubation centers and
help in spurring development in the country. She said that the University of Nairobi Research,
Production and Extension division should be critical for end users, providing opportunities for
uptake to solve societal problems through extension and other outreach activities.
The University congratulates the class of 2014.