FASS CLASS OF 2024 SEPTEMBER GRADUATION CEREMONY.
The University of Nairobi held its annual graduation ceremony today, September 20, at the Main Campus Graduation Square. The 71st graduation event featured several significant firsts, including the presence of Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Julius Migos Ogamba, Chancellor Prof. Patrick V. Verkooijen, and Ag. Vc Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, making the occasion even more special.
The event honored the achievements of 4,136 graduands: 3,432 Bachelor’s degrees, 8 Fellowships, 525 Master’s degrees, 117 PhDs, 9 Postgraduate Diplomas, and 95 Diplomas. Esteemed guests and proud parents gathered to witness inspiring speeches that highlighted the resilience and determination of the graduates as they embark on their next journeys, showcasing the university's commitment to shaping future leaders. It was a moment of shared pride and accomplishment for the entire university community.
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences had a remarkable achievement with a total of 901 graduands, including 28 PhDs, 55 Master’s degrees, 817 Bachelor’s degrees, and 1 Postgraduate Diploma. This milestone highlights the faculty's commitment to academic excellence. Congratulations to all the graduates!
Today is not only a proud moment for our graduating class but also for the university and the diverse community of nations represented within this hallowed ground. Graduating from university is no mean feat; it requires perseverance, resilience, and tenacity.
Many stumble along the way, but to the 4,136 of you standing before us today, congratulations! This is truly a moment of overwhelming joy and achievement. Those were the words of Ag. VC Prof. Margaret Hutchinson.
Chairman of Council, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, expressed his gratitude: “We are excited to witness an increase in our graduate numbers—from 3,500 in September 2023 to the 4,136 we celebrate today. Notably, we have seen a rise in our PhD graduates. These numbers affirm our role as a transformative force in Kenya’s education landscape. As Council, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve this university. This is a duty that we do not take lightly and are always conscious of the weight of the University’s hopes and dreams placed upon our shoulders.”
The Chief Quest Cabinet Secretary for Education, Dr. Julius Migos Ogamba EBS, returning to his alma mater, noted, “I am very pleased to join you this morning on this momentous occasion. Part of my pleasure lies in the fact that I have returned to my alma mater, from which I graduated over thirty years ago, but I am even more pleased and honored to address thousands of graduands who are beaming with bright faces of joy. When we congregated in this Graduation Square more than three decades ago, there were only a handful of us.”
Chancellor Prof. Patrick V. Verkooijen congratulated the graduating class of 2024 for their remarkable achievement and dedication: “Today, we celebrate our graduates and launch the transformative UoN Big 5 initiatives! These projects will reshape the future of education, research, and leadership in Africa,” he said.
University of Nairobi Alumni Association, Chairman Mr. Isaac Awuondo, urged the graduating class of 2024 to join the Alumni Association "By joining today, you’ll not only stay connected with your alma mater but also be part of exciting, innovative initiatives aimed at resource mobilisation and fundraising to strengthen our impact. These efforts ensure that we can continue supporting the University in meaningful ways. Take the next step and become a member today – together, we’ll shape the future of our community and help in resource mobilization and fundraising. Here is the Alumni Association Website: https://alumni.uonbi.ac.ke/
The valedictory speech was delivered by Otieno John Odoyo from the Department of Architecture. In his speech, he noted, “I am deeply honored to stand before you on behalf of this amazing graduating class of 2024. It is a day we have all been waiting for — the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, sleepless nights, setbacks, and triumphs. We each have our unique stories. Today, we celebrate not only our achievements but also the bonds we've formed and the people we've become.”
Congratulations to the graduating class of September 2024!
