Dedan Kimathi University hosts virtual graduation

Dedan University graduands at a past graduation ceremony. [Photo:File]

Dedan Kimathi University becomes the first higher education institution to host a virtual graduation ceremony in the country during coronavirus pandemic.Graduants, family and friends were following closely on social media platforms.

This is after the government banned public gatherings within the country to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

In the opening speech by the vice chancellor, Professor Ndirangu Kioni said that the institution opted for a virtual ceremony to comply with the government directives.

“This is a virtual graduation and members of the convocation are connected virtually to our main venue here in the board room in the main campus and they will be able to follow the proceedings throughout the program,” said Professor Kioni.

The institution has produced 1600 graduates in degree, diploma and certificate courses while 30 have graduated with a master’s degree and 7 PhD degrees.

66 per cent of the degree graduates have science background related courses while 33.6 per cent are from business and tourism programs.

A few people were spread out in the main hall whilst respective school deans were seated in their offices reading out the name of the graduands.

The students will receive their certificates in two weeks, a move that Prof Kioni says will allow them ‘to move on with their lives and seek jobs.

Kenya releases about 15,000 to 30,000 graduates yearly despite the rising rate of unemployment which has seen more Kenyans continue to lose jobs in the massive business closures witnessed across the country.