Thika: Graduates have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation, and entrepreneurship as tools to compete in a rapidly evolving global market and to beat joblessness. Kenya National Innovation Agency CEO Dr. Tonny Omwansa stated that by adopting these skills, graduates can view themselves as job creators, innovators, and problem solvers.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Omwansa, while addressing 8,724 graduates during Mount Kenya University (MKU's) 27th graduation ceremony at the Thika Main Campus, emphasized that innovation and AI have transformed higher education, providing students with a competitive edge in the job market. 'Your ideas are not just academic projects; they can be commercialized to business solutions. Position yourselves as problem solvers, create scalable solutions, and consistently work through the development of those solutions into sustainable enterprises or institutions,' Dr. Omwansa told the graduates.
The official also highlighted the government's efforts in supporting research and innovations, including the opening of innovation hubs and technology clubs that can help turn concepts into thriving businesses. Additionally, he mentioned the Research to Commercialization (R2C) Accelerator Programme, which assists researchers and academics in bridging the gap between research ideas and commercial success. The programme builds skills in designing value propositions, modeling businesses, raising funds, pitching ideas, and structuring teams, linking them to investors and commercialization partners through expert coaching and networking.
Dr. Omwansa noted that over the last two years, 25 research-based start-ups that have participated in the program have independently raised upwards of Sh255 million, registered 18 new ventures, and created 220 new jobs. On his part, MKU Chancellor Prof. John Struthers urged universities to offer courses aligned with market demands. 'Graduates must brand themselves as solution providers, innovators, and global citizens ready to tackle both local and international challenges,' said Prof. Struthers.
The university's Council Chairman Dr. Vincent Gaitho stated that the institution will continue linking its graduates to opportunities, ensuring they become globally competitive. He mentioned that the council will support public-private partnerships and industry-academia collaborations in promoting education, training programs, and re-skilling initiatives to prepare the labor force for AI-driven knowledge economies. 'We have partnered with tech giants like Microsoft to create an AI-empowered university system, offering tools and training to students,' he said.