The University of Nairobi (UoN) on Friday, September 19, 2025, conferred 3,836 degrees and diplomas during its 73rd Graduation Ceremony held at the Chancellor’s Court under the theme “Empowering Futures for an Innovative and Technologically Driven World.” Among them, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) proudly graduated 427 students: 23 Diplomas, 290 Bachelors, 6 Postgraduate Diplomas, 95 Masters, and 13 PhDs.

The colorful event was presided over by Chancellor Prof. Patrick V. Verkooijen, and attended by Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education, Council Chair Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jesang Hutchinson, members of the Senate, faculty, alumni, parents, and families from across Kenya and beyond.

While delivering his keynote address, Chancellor Prof. Verkooijen noted: “Our task at The University of Nairobi is to ensure our graduates are the talent powering those zones. Not watching from the outside—but leading from the inside. But let us be frank. Kenya’s youth unemployment rate for those aged 15–34 is as much as 67%. Over one million young Kenyans enter the labour market every year. Yet far too many are shut out of formal, decent work. And the NEET rate—young people NOT in education, NOT in employment, NOT in training—continues to rise. This is not only an economic gap. It is a social fracture. Universities must close it. Education must empower not just with knowledge, but with skills fit for the future.”

Delivering his first remarks as Chair of the newly constituted University Council, Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha congratulated the Class of 2025 and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to steering the University with integrity, transparency, and foresight.

While addressing the graduates, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson noted: “To the graduating Class of 2025, four (4), five (5) or even seven (7) years ago, you entered the gates of the university with hope and expectations, with mixed feelings on how the future was going to unfold and praying all would be well. Each one of you, as you stand with your loved ones during your graduation, has a story to tell. Your presence here today is indeed a testament to resilience, growth, and triumph among challenges that possibly seemed insurmountable at the time.”

In her remarks, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, PS for Higher Education, observed: “Education must touch the head, the heart, and the hand. It must sharpen the mind, nurture character, and guide action. We educate not only to inform but to transform, not only to graduate but to elevate, not only to confer knowledge but to confer responsibility.”

She further reaffirmed Government’s continued support to higher education, urging alumni to give back to their alma mater.

Representing the UoN Alumni Association, CPA Eunice Kanyi said: “As we celebrate this day, we need to thank the almighty God for having brought as this far, in the same breath, we recognize the respective roles played by various stakeholders: students, staff, sponsors, parents and well-wishers, towards realization of the remarkable achievements. To all of you, we say a big Asante!”

This year’s valedictorian, Joy Muthoni Mwaniki, gave an inspiring and humorous reflection. She said: “They say architecture students do not sleep, they just take naps in strange places. And I can confirm. This degree was powered by late-night studio struggles, rivers of coffee, and the dangerous optimism that we could finish a semester-long project in one night. But today, whether you studied Medicine, Law, Education, Agriculture, Engineering, Arts, or Business, we share the same truth: this journey was not easy, but it was worth it.”

She also urged her fellow graduates to embrace resilience, innovation, and ethical leadership, adding: “Carry forward the University of Nairobi spirit — of service, creativity, and courage into every space you step into.”

The 73rd Graduation Ceremony of the University of Nairobi came to a close with songs of joy, ululations, and celebrations from the graduates, their families, and the entire university community. The day not only marked an academic milestone but also a new chapter of service, innovation, and leadership for the Class of 2025.

Watch the  73rd Graduation Ceremony