SPEECH
BY
THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, MACHAKOS UNIVERSITY
DURING THE 4TH GRADUATION CEREMONY HELD ON 8TH NOVEMBER, 2019
- The Chancellor of Machakos University, Dr. James Mworia,
- The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Professor. George Magoha,
- The Chief Administrative Secretary and Principal Secretary State Department for University Education, Prof. Collette Suda.
- Chancellors of other Universities
- Chairman of Council, Machakos University, Professor Gedion Hanjari.
- Chairmen of Councils from other Universities
- Machakos University Council Members
- Vice-Chancellors of other Universities
- Your Excellency, the Governor of Machakos County
- The County Commissioner, Machakos County
- Members of the County Government present
- The area MP and MCAs Machakos County
- Members of Machakos University Management
- Members of University Senate
- Staff
- Parents and Guardians
- Graduands
- Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen
Good morning,
Mr. Chancellor Sir, it gives me great pleasure to address this fourth congregation of Machakos University. First, I take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for bringing us this far. Indeed, it is an honor that you have joined us to celebrate the success of our graduands. On behalf of Machakos University, and on my own behalf, I congratulate the graduands -Hongera sana.
Mr. Chancellor Sir, We are very proud to be associated with you as our Chancellor. You are a great role model to the staff and students. We appreciate your advice, support to the needy and brilliant students through your scholarship fund and linking us with industry and other relevant partners whom we have already signed memoranda of understanding or have expressed intent of commitment to partner.
Mr. Chancellor Sir, The University has taken great strides since the last graduation. We have completed construction of two Tuition Blocks and renovated several buildings to create office space for our staff. The University has commenced construction of a modern tuition and office block. The University continues to equip its laboratories and other teaching facilities in order to create a conducive teaching and learning environment.
In addition, we have revised most of our curricular to realign with market and industry requirements and continue to recruit competent staff to manage our programmes. To respond to the need for reforms in the education sector, the University is in the process of rationalizing and harmonizing its programmes, departments and schools. We also re-introduced TVET courses in an effort to equip our youth with the required technical and practical oriented skills.
Mr. Chancellor Sir, In this graduating class of 2019, we have students who have unparalleled minds and incredible prowess. It is now in the public domain that the IT gurus and the brain behind the famous I-Voting system, are students from Machakos University. The I-voting platform cannot be hacked. It is real time, and one can register online and vote from anywhere. This is testimony to our 4th graduation theme: “sustaining economic growth through innovation and technology”. I congratulate the team for committing their time to the development of such an innovation and encourage other students to emulate their good example.
Mr. Chancellor Sir, Our academic programmes span across specialties in Engineering and Technology, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Pure and Applied Sciences, Business and Economics, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Agricultural sciences, Environment and Natural Resource Management as well as Health Sciences. This year, the University admitted two thousand one hundred and ninety-three (2193) students thus bringing the total student population to Seven Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-Six. 7876.
Mr. Chancellor Sir, it is gratifying to know that Machakos University is strategically partnering with Tianjin City Vocational College of China to establish a Luban Workshop at the University. This workshop will be one of the 10 workshops to be established in Africa and will specialize in Cloud Computing and Information Security. Through the workshop, the University will offer Diploma and Degree programs, among others.
We are also thankful to you for having introduced TRIBUS – TSG Company to the University. We are in negotiation with the company to establish Ajiry Centre at the University. The centre is expected to enhance capabilities of our students as well as individuals and small businesses in Machakos County and beyond through training, mentorship, business access and creating jobs as drivers for the Kenya’s Big four (4) agenda.
Mr. Chancellor Sir, the University has put friendly structures that encourage members of staff and students to be involved in research and innovation. In this regard, the University has established annual internal calls for research and innovation targeting proposals with high likelihood of creating an impact. The University’s second International Academic Conference took take place in April this year and was successful. It attracted 225 participants among them re-known researchers and scholars from 12 countries around the world.
Mr. Chancellor Sir, we are proud to present to you the graduating class of 2019 which has been fully equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in our society. This year, we are graduating a total of 1876 graduands comprising one (1) Ph.D.; nine (9) Masters; one thousand, six hundred and one (1601) Bachelors, two hundred and thirty-eight (238) Diploma and twenty-seven (27) Certificates. We are pleased to present our pioneer Ph.D. graduand from the School of Education. We assure you that all the graduands were educated, trained and examined appropriately and have satisfied the various Boards of Examiners as well as the University Senate for the conferment of the various degrees and award of diplomas and certificates.
Mr. Chancellor Sir, As I conclude, I would like to express our appreciation to the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education for its continued support and guidance. I also thank the University Council, for providing the policy framework, strategic direction, stewardship and exemplary leadership to propel the university to greater heights. Our profound gratitude goes to all our partners and stakeholders. Lastly, I express my gratitude to all the staff for serving this University diligently. Their support is what makes Machakos University to be what it is.
Finally, I thank the parents and guardians for supporting the young men and women graduating today; your work has not been in vain. To our gradaunds, as you pursue your careers, be our goodwill ambassadors. I urge you to join our Alumni and help develop this great University. I once again, take this opportunity, to thank each one of you for coming to join us in making this graduation ceremony a successful and memorable occasion.
May God bless and keep you safe.
Thank you.
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Mr. Chancellor Sir, it is now my honour to invite the Chairman of Council to address the Congregation