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The University of Nairobi (UoN) marked a historic milestone on Friday, 19th September 2025, as it conferred 3,836 degrees and diplomas during its 73rd Graduation Ceremony at the Chancellor’s Court. Themed “Empowering Futures for an Innovative and Technologically Driven World,” the event was a celebration of resilience, excellence, and the transformative power of education.
This year’s ceremony was particularly significant as it was the first under the newly inaugurated University Council, signaling the beginning of a new era of governance and transformation at UoN.
Among the graduands were 85 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, one Fellowship, 461 Master’s degrees, 3,029 Bachelor’s degrees, 23 Postgraduate Diplomas, and 63 Diplomas. The additions expand UoN’s alumni network to more than 290,000 professionals who continue to shape Kenya’s growth across the public, private, and civil society sectors.
Key dignitaries present included Chancellor Prof. Patrick V. Verkooijen, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Higher Education, Council Chair Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha, and Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson. Parents, faculty, alumni, and guests from across Kenya and abroad also filled the venue to witness the momentous occasion.
Delivering his first address as Council Chair, Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha commended the Class of 2025 for their resilience and innovation. He pledged to steer the University with transparency and foresight while challenging graduands to lead with courage in uncertain times.
“Today is not just a milestone but a testament to resilience, innovation, and hope,” Prof. Chacha said. “Our mandate as a Council is to steady and steer this University to fulfil its vision of transforming society through quality education, purposeful research, and building the future of our nation.”
Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson reported a strong year of achievements for the University, including a record KSh 5.4 billion in competitively won research funding, up from KSh 4.6 billion the previous year. She also highlighted:
KSh 198 million generated by income-generating units.
216 new academic and research partnerships signed.
Launch of the Kantaria Agricultural Technology and Innovations Centre at Upper Kabete.
Recognition by the Kenya National Innovation Agency for nurturing student-led innovation hubs.
Student and staff participation in international exchanges spanning four continents.
Hosting Finnish President H.E. Prof. Alexander Stubb for a landmark lecture on geopolitics and the global order.
“We have deliberately reimagined education to equip learners with entrepreneurship, digital, and critical thinking skills,” she said.
The event spotlighted student-led innovations tackling real-world challenges. Among them were:
Maryline and Markline Akinyi: puffed millet superfood to combat malnutrition.
Akpoko Burume: high-energy biscuits soon to be mass-produced in Thika.
Mutinda George: “Matrack,” a transport app for Nairobi commuters.
Erick Ogolla: “BlinknPay,” a fast and inclusive digital payment system.
Samuel Muchoki: a smart nano-fertilizer to improve crop yields and restore soil health.
The University also celebrated the graduation of Kenya’s Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, who earned a Master’s degree, underlining UoN’s role in bridging academia and national leadership.
Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, representing the Ministry of Education, urged graduands to carry integrity and service into their careers while contributing to Vision 2030, Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Valedictorian Joy Mwaniki inspired her peers to embrace resilience and ethical leadership: “Carry forward the University of Nairobi spirit — of service, creativity, and courage into every space you step into.”
Chancellor Prof. Verkooijen, in his keynote, placed the ceremony within a global context, citing climate shocks, digital disruption, and shifting geopolitics as challenges demanding innovative leadership. He outlined UoN’s “Big 5” agenda: doubling health innovations, championing homegrown leadership, exporting Kenyan AI globally, driving classroom innovation into markets, and creating digital and green jobs.
“You must be at the centre of opportunity, not watching from the margins,” he told the Class of 2025. “Because you, students and graduands, are unstoppable.”
With over 13,000 new students admitted this year, including from Koitaleel Samoei and Nyandarua University Colleges, the University of Nairobi continues to stand tall as a beacon of hope, innovation, and excellence in Kenya and beyond.
