Dream and imagine, President Uhuru Kenyatta tells graduates

President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and Former president Daniel Arap Moi during the tenth Kabarak University graduation ceremony, Friday. [PHOTO: JOSEPH KIPSANG/ STANDARD]

President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged university graduates to take advantage of Uwezo and the Youth Enterprise funds to start businesses and become successful entrepreneurs.

He said the government will continue supporting young entrepreneurs ready to create wealth and job opportunities.

Speaking at Kabarak University during the 10th graduation ceremony yesterday, the President reiterated that the government’s commitment to the youth is strong, evident and steady.

“All our pledges are being realised rapidly. Our intention is to ensure that youth is a time to dream and imagine, and not worry and fear. It is the government’s work to give wings to your talent, passion and vision,” the president said.

Kenyatta, who was awarded a honorary degree of Doctor of Leadership (Honoris causa) by the university Chancellor former President Daniel arap Moi, said the government will continue encouraging the youth to take advantage of the 30 per cent public procurement tenders set aside for youth, women and the disabled.

“I believe if more young people develop successful businesses and companies we shall significantly reduce unemployment in our country,” he said.

He praised the former President for investing heavily in education, noting that his passion for quality education, service to the community and the Christian ethos of love, integrity and charity are reflected in Kabarak University.

“I appreciate his steady and determined visionary focus in guiding this great institution from its founding until now, in setting up a state of the art ultra modern online center. Kabarak University is destined for greatness,” Kenyatta said.

The President, who also commissioned the online centre, described the facility as a technological milestone for the university saying it will be an additional contribution to the country’s innovative approach to education, and ICT.

“I trust that this online platform will revolutionise our education system in Kenya and beyond. It is my expectation that Kabarak University will set high standards and enable Kenya consolidate its position as a continental hub for ICT and education, among other fields,” he said.

The President was received by the university chancellor, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi who is also vice chairman of the university council, Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua among other leaders. The President said the government will continue to provide a sound environment to nurture talent and skills that will contribute to meaningful national progress and personal actualisation.

Reduce poverty

Former President Moi challenged the government to set up a fund for students pursuing PhD programmes.
Moi noted that the universities are facing acute shortage of teaching staff with doctorates.

“Education is more than reading, writing and calculation. It is one of the most important investment a country can make in its people and critical in reducing poverty and inequality,” Moi said.

The former president said the future of the country was vested in quality education at all levels.

He further encouraged the private sector to shift their corporate social responsibility funding from entertainment and leisure to scholarship.

Moi commended President Kenyatta for sponsoring students in secondary and university through the Kenyatta Foundation.

“I am glad to note that you are sponsoring one of our current students. Thank you your Excellency for your generosity,” he said.

Moi told parents of the graduands that the men and women receiving various degrees have been completely prepared emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.

“They have been equipped to make a difference in this generation and the generation to come,” he said.
Moi said the institution was committed to offering top quality education.

“We provide state of the art facilities for academics, sports, catering and accommodation. We do so to make graduates more competitive and competent in their professions,” he said.

Moi disclosed that Kabarak University will next year roll out more programmes in health sciences after completing the construction of School of Medicine and health sciences complex.

The construction of the Kabarak University Teaching and Referral Mission Hospital is underway.

Early this year, the former president opened the new Kabarak University Online center that was officially inaugurated by President Kenyatta yesterday. “Kabarak being World class educational facility, we are determined to offer education in a diverse, qualitative and an interactive platform that creates and natures talent among learners and professionals globally,” Moi said.