Baringo senator who is also Kabarak University Pro-Chancellor Gideon Moi (left) welcomes Information and Communication Technology CS Joe Mucheru (right) during the Kabarak University 14th graduation Ceremony on December 14,2018 Looking on is Kabarak vice Chancellor Prof Henry Kiplagat (center). [Kipsang Joseph/Standard]

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has challenged graduates to embrace technology and showcase their innovations to the world.

Speaking during Kabarak University’s 14th graduation ceremony in Nakuru County, the senator who is the institution’s Pro-Chancellor told the 770 graduates that although jobs are scarce, they can utilise the power and knowledge they have acquired to excel in life.

“Let your imagination and innovations fly. The world has changed and not all of you will be easily employed but all of you got an amazing power at hand. It’s your brains and your mobile phones,” said Gideon.

He also gave a message of goodwill from the institution’s Chancellor, former President Moi.

The Senator and the ICT Cabinet Secretary Joseph Mucheru called on students to use modern technology such as mobile phones to showcase their skills to the world.

“Do not be passive, the world is not waiting for you, you need to seize the world, seize the moment,” Gideon said. “Take the initiative, be proactive. This amazing university has given you the tools, it has given you the fishing rod but it won’t give you the fish, the finished product. Now it’s up to you,” he added.

Gideon urged the graduates to uphold the virtues learned at the institution such as honesty and hard work, and strive to do the best in their tasks.

“Always approach all your tasks with the will to win, the desire to succeed and the urge to reach your full potential,” he stated.

He urged the graduates to embrace patriotism and be mindful of others, one of the core values of the Founder and Chancellor of the University, former President Moi. The Senator advised them to keep in mind their families as they are God’s gifts.

Baringo Senator and Kabarak university pro- Chancellor Gideon Moi (left) awards Barassa Jackline Itoto for being the best Graduand in the school of Business and economics during the Kabarak University 14th graduation Ceremony on December 14,2018. Looking on is Kabarak university vice Chancellor Prof Henry Kiplagat (center). [Kipsang Joseph/Standard]

Allocating funds

He thanked the parents and guardians for their unwavering support and commended the Government for allocating funds to support education of students in private and public universities. “County governments also deserve commendation for releasing bursary funds to cater for needy students in our university,” he said.

Mr Mucheru applauded the university for moulding talents of students in readiness to nation-building. The CS said the graduands are key in driving the country’s development agenda as spelt out in Vision 2030 and Big 4 Agenda.

“You can use your skills and knowledge towards fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

He said the Chancellor of the University is a true patriot and educator who gave his best to benefit generations to come. Mucheru described the former president’s contribution to education sector as an eternal gift.

ICT, he said, must be embraced in today’s world.

As a ministry, he said they are taking advantage of ICT as a new enabler to job frontiers. The CS explained that the Ajira Digital Programme under the ministry is intended to look into employment needs of the youth.

Mucheru warned graduands and students against engaging in retrogressive practices and instead invest their talent, knowledge and time in progressive activities that will transform the country.

Kabarak University Vice-Chancellor Henry Kiplagat assured parents, guardians and employers that the graduates are ready for the job market. The VC noted that they are keen on the students-lecturer ratio to ensure quality education is offered. “I would like to assure our esteemed stakeholders, parents, guardians and the industry that our graduates are fully baked and fit for purpose,” said Prof Kiplagat.  

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