Dr. Aurelia Rono, Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, has challenged recent university graduates to use their knowledge and expertise to actively participate in nation-building and reshape governance structures.
Speaking as the chief guest at Mount Kenya University’s (MKU) 28th graduation ceremony in Thika, Kiambu County, Dr. Rono asserted that the young minds emerging from higher learning institutions hold immense potential in driving the country’s socio-economic growth and shaping its leadership.
The PS highlighted that the ceremony’s theme “resonates deeply with the mandate of the government.” She stressed that for her department, governance is central to their daily work in propelling the nation toward more responsible leadership.
“The State recognizes the value that academia brings to the table in terms of translating knowledge generated in institutions such as MKU into actionable policies and accountable governance structures,” she added.
Dr. Rono noted that the graduands are equipped with the hallmarks of responsible leadership through programmes that emphasize accountability, prudent financial management, and collaborations.
Furthermore, the PS urged higher learning institutions to be at the forefront of driving innovation and research to solve the myriad of problems facing communities and the country.
She celebrated successful student-led initiatives like Nanaheal Enterprises and EcoBlue, which is pioneering the transformation of pineapple waste into carbon-negative fertilizer and harnessing clean drinking water from the atmosphere.
These feats, she noted, are currently supported under the Africa Centre for Career Enhancement and Skill Support (ACCESS-DAAD) project, in collaboration with Leipzig University, and have been globally recognized by the EU-funded Strengthening the Europe-Africa Digital Ecosystem initiative.
The PS encouraged more such collaborative engagements, citing the successful nursing programme that has seen over 100 young nurses work in Germany through MKU.
Prof. Simon Gicharu, MKU Founder and Chairman, highlighted the university’s investment in new growth areas to help students and alumni identify non-conventional employment and self-employment opportunities.
These strategic focus areas include supporting employability in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, sports and creative arts, and the placement of German-bound apprentices.
Specifically, Prof. Gicharu announced the board’s support for the Malindi Maritime Academy. He confirmed signing a partnership deal in November 2025 with the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA) to strengthen training through capacity building, knowledge transfer, development of foundational maritime education programmes, and ‘Train-The-Trainer’ activities.
The MKU-ADMA partnership also covers joint research on emerging areas like AI in maritime applications, maritime safety, sustainability, and joint promotion of maritime career education in East Africa, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The event was attended by the University Council Chairman Dr. Vincent Gaitho, Chancellor Prof. John Struthers, Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, and other distinguished guests.
