Education key for individual, national success say Former President Daniel arap Moi

Former President Daniel arap Moi congratulates Kabarak University Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr Henry Kiplagat during the don’s thanksgiving ceremony at AIC Kabarak Community Chapel yesterday. [PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD]

Former President Daniel arap Moi has challenged Kenyans to pursue education to the highest level possible and stop being contented after achieving the first or second degrees.

Speaking at AIC Kabarak Community Chapel, Moi, who described education as key to human success and development, asked those with an opportunity to pursue it with determination.

“Success in life is not because of an individual effort but rather collective responsibility among all those involved,” he told the congregation.

The former Head of State, who is the founder of the Kabarak learning institutions, spoke during thanksgiving ceremony for Dr Henry Kiptiony Kiplagat, the Kabarak University Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration and Finance, who graduated on Friday with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

Prior to joining Kabarak University, Dr Kiplagat served as a school principal for 20 years, six years at Sacho High School and 14 years at Moi High School-Kabarak. He is a recipient of Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) and the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) in recognition of his service in the education sector in the country.

He has also been a member of the Kabarak University Governing Council since inception.

Hard working

While congratulating him, Moi, who is the Kabarak University Chancellor, said the Kiplagat’s academic progress was not only important to him as an individual but to thousands of other Kenyans outside there.

“I expect that his academic achievement will motivate many others around Kabarak community and the nation at large. Thank you for not getting satisfied with a bachelors degree alone,” he told Kiplagat.

Moi described Kiplagat as a hardworking and determined character whose tireless contribution saw Sacho High School move from its humble beginnings to become a giant academic centre nationally.

“No one can talk about Kabarak without mentioning him. You have always been instrumental in guiding the expansion and development of Kabarak, Sacho and Sunshine Secondary Schools to their greater heights,” said the former President.

Present at the colourful ceremony were Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, Rongai MP Raymond Moi, Phillip Moi, Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology Principal Eddie Koimet and other dignitaries.

Kiplagat thanked Moi for giving him the opportunity to be part of Kabarak community leadership and commended the former President for using his wealth for the sake of those disadvantaged in the society.

“Many could have lost hope in life and got strayed along the way but because of your fatherly love, some of us are what we are today because of your sacrifices,” he told the former President.

Born in 1966 in Baringo, Kiplagat attended primary school in Eldama Ravine constituency. He studied education at Kenyatta University between 1987 and 1989, and later pursued a Masters degree in educational management in 1992 at Lancaster University (UK).

In his sermon, Kabarak University Vice Chancellor Jones Kaleli thanked Moi for founding the Kabarak institutions of learning and many others across the country.

Prof Kaleli challenged Kenyans not to misuse leadership and academic titles by using them to suppress others and instead serve Kenyans with humility.