Principal Secretary (PS), the State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, wants fresh graduates to embrace technology as they join their areas of specialization in the industry.
Speaking during 8th graduation ceremony at Kirinyaga University, the PS said the Kirinyaga University motto “innovative technology for a dynamic world” resonates with the realities of our time, expressing confidence that the graduates were adequately prepared to embrace the digital era.
“Joining education, business, health sciences, engineering, all of those are great opportunities in drawing onto technology to uncover infinite possibilities. I commend the university for this focus on science, technology and innovation.” PS said.
The university that received its charter in 2016 has transformed from a small technical institution of less than 200 students to a full-fledged university with more than 13,000 students, 300 staff and over 100 academic programs.
Dr Inyangala further emphasized the role of the University for training our health practitioners which is contributing to the government’s agenda of universal health coverage.
“I’m aware that you are working very hard to impact health outcomes in the community by offering free diagnostics and treatment. I thank you for this and I encourage you to the scope of this work.” She noted
The experts being released today in software, computer systems, and the engineers will definitely advance the government’s agenda of the digital economy. In an era of accountability and science-based decision-making in the justice system, we also appreciate the experts that will advance forensic science.
She affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting universities to deliver on their mission by providing a conducive policy environment to facilitate university operations and relying on research evidence from universities to continuously improve on policies and programs.
The PS added that the government continues to fund universities even in this present constrained physical space. She assured the university, students and parents, that through the new funding model for universities the institution will receive resources as opposed to the past system where it used to increase by just about 5% every year.
“With the current model, we are almost doubling resources to the universities. And this is really what we need to ensure that our students get the quality education that can only be realized if we fund quality input, if we employ additional staff, if we can improve on your infrastructure. We also recognize that all other inputs into the education space will not produce the desired results if our staff do not organize them to deliver the desired outputs”
She challenged the graduates to seize every opportunity to refine their skills, to upskill, to multi-skill and to broaden their horizons to fit a fast-changing world in the fourth industrial revolution.
“I will add my voice to what has been said before and say, impress curiosity, challenge assumptions and seek out knowledge with an open mind. When called to serve, do so with diligence, with empathy for the less fortunate in society and with love for those around you”
Kirinyaga University Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Mary Ndung’u, said the university programs are consciously developed to address and to effectively contribute to the achievement of Kenya Vision 2030 and the Better Agenda of Government, BETA.
The VC said development of high-quality teaching and research programs naturally comes with a requirement for excellent facilities which the university council and management has continued to mobilize resources to ensure students are adequately equipped with innovative technology and skills.
“It is our hope that the government funding will be enhanced in order to enable Kirinyaga University to realize the roadmap as set out in our strategic plan 2022-2027. We embrace a holistic approach in equipping our students for the workplace including academic, social and ethical skills.”
Professor Ndung’u added to create an enabling environment for the learners, the university has invested in ultra-modern facilities: laboratories, workshop, ICT infrastructure, including high-speed internet, and attendance support services.
By Mutai Kipngetich
