Kirinyaga: The government has reiterated its commitment to increasing investment in higher education to enhance the quality of learning, training and research as a driver of national economic growth. A message delivered by Dr Milton Njuki, a member of the Kirinyaga University Council, on behalf of the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr Beatrice Inyangala, during the 9th graduation ceremony of Kirinyaga University, emphasised the government's steadfast support for universities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Principal Secretary highlighted that no country has achieved a level of knowledge saturation where discontinuing investment in university education is viable. The government's resolve remains firm in allocating substantial resources to support students and institutions, promote research, and ensure access to quality education. The funding priorities will focus on accelerating research, innovation, ICT integration, and branding to make Kenya globally competitive. Curriculum reviews are ongoing to align local programmes with regional and international standards, enhancing academic and labour mobility.
During the ceremony, Kirinyaga University conferred degrees and diplomas to 2,512 graduates across various disciplines. The university received its charter in 2016. Vice Chancellor Professor Mary Ndung'u congratulated the graduates, acknowledging their perseverance and dedication throughout their academic journey. She encouraged the graduating class of 2025 to pursue further studies, urging them to return for their master's programmes.
Professor Ndung'u also highlighted the institution's infrastructural progress, noting that Phase Two of the tuition complex, expected to be completed by January 2026, will provide an additional 4,000-seating capacity and new academic staff offices. Kirinyaga University Council Chairman, Dr Idris Muhumed Kosar, challenged graduates to embrace innovation, integrity, and resilience to meet global demands. He reaffirmed the Council's vision to make the university a hub of applied science, technology, and innovation.
Dr Kosar emphasized the importance of investing in innovation hubs where graduates can incubate businesses and create jobs, contributing to national productivity, competitiveness, and the bottom-up economic transformation agenda. He appealed for increased government funding for digital infrastructure, research laboratories, and technical facilities. Additionally, Dr Kosar thanked private partners and the local community for their contributions toward improving accommodation and social amenities, which have created an enabling environment for learning and research.
University Chancellor Fred Ojiambo reaffirmed the institution's mission to train and develop skilled human resources equipped with innovative and entrepreneurial abilities to meet the demands of a dynamic world.