16th Graduation: Speech by the Chairman of the Alumni Association

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16th Graduation: Speech by the Chairman of the Alumni Association

SPEECH BY MR. PAUL MBOLE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DURING
THE 16TH GRADUATION CEREMONY ON JULY 29TH AND 30TH 2009

The Chief Guest,

The Chancellor,

The Chairman of Council,

The Vice Chancellor, JKUAT,

Vice Chancellors of Other Universities present,

Deputy Vice Chancellors of JKUAT and Other Universities,

Principals,

Graduands,

Parents and Guardians,

Other Invited Guests,

All protocols observed,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to address this congregation during the
momentous occasion of the 16th graduation of our alma mater. I wish to tender my
heartfelt congratulations to all the graduands for their great achievement.

The achievement would not have been realized without concerted effort by various stakeholders. I
therefore would also like to take this opportunity to appreciate the efforts by the various stakeholders
who took part in the collective process of bringing the graduands to this level and making this
occasion possible. In particular, I wish to thank the parents and guardians for guiding and supporting t
he academic endeavors of the graduands during their studies at JKUAT. The lecturers and staff who on
the other hand, have spent time imparting the valuable knowledge and skills to the graduands. And
finally, to other members of society at large who have contributed in various ways, I wish to recognize t
heir efforts and thank them most sincerely.

I would like to welcome all the graduands to the JKUAT Alumni Association. Upon graduation
you automatically become members of the Alumni Association. This membership is applicable to all
graduates of JKUAT including those who studied in campuses, constituent colleges and approved
centers. You should therefore feel free to take part in all matters of the Association. Although most
of you will be physically away, you will remain a valued part of our extended family. In keeping with
our aspirations, JKUAT will continue to be an enduring place for your intellectual and professional
renewal. You must indeed, always remain a part of the JKUAT community. Your feedback on
your experiences here and sharing of new experiences and challenges out there will help our
beloved institution move ahead.

The Association derives her authority from Section 19 of the JKUAT Act of 1994. The purpose of
the Association is to promote the reputation and well being of the University – upon your graduation
you become ambassador’s at large for this Institution. The Association is mandated to discuss and state
its opinion on any matter within the sphere of competence of the University. As Alumni, we
therefore, have a great responsibility to contribute to the realization of this Institution’s vision and mission.

As an Association, we have a Vision to be a cohesive and energetic organization, working
to advance JKUAT and serve her alumni. Our Mission is to serve and involve JKUAT Alumni
and students; to enlist alumni talents and resourses in the preservation and promotion
of JKUAT's image, tradition, pride and status as an institution of excellence in training,
research and innovation for development. In line with this, consultations are ongoing to
establish structures and guidelines that will enable all members of the JKUAT Alumni Association
to contribute effectively to the attainment of this noble goal.

It is at this juncture that may we extend our uttermost appreciation to the University administration for
the support we have received in this regard. Of particular importance has been the creation of the
Alumni and International Students Office (ALISO) which has been instrumental in strengthening
the presence of the Association in University Affairs and also in facilitating the activities of the
Association. The establishment of the Board of Alumni Affairs has greatly enhanced the
relationship between the Alumni and the University. These new developments are in line with
provisions outlined in our Constitution and consultations are underway to harmonize the University
Statues and the Alumni Constitution to accommodate these emerging arrangements.

To the graduands: There are various ways in which we can support our alma mater. We could
provide mentorship and career guidance to students. Grant opportunities for attachments and internship
to students and graduates but most significantly, are the contributions we can make to support our
Alma Mater realize it vision and further enable bright and needy students secure their educational goals.
We must appreciate that without such contributions progress will be slow and impact limited. I
therefore call upon you to rise up to the challenge of making this institution the centre of excellence
that we all want it to be.

As part of this endeavor, the Alumni Association has identified various projects around which
the membership and the University community can collaborate to implement. We are presently
consulting and soon we shall provide details to the University community and I hereby call upon all
alumni to support this worthy initiatives.

As alumni, we also have a great responsibility to the society at large. Indeed, the society looks upon us
to provide answers to many social and economic challenges our communities presently face. Your
University education has prepared you well to engage with these challenges and indeed successfully
run life’s marathon. It is our hope that during your time at JKUAT, you discovered your talent and
found your passion. Apply this with compassion, and sensitivity and your life’s marathon will be
rewarding and your service to humanity will be most enriching.

I am happy to observe that there are several JKUAT alumni who have made great impressions in public
life. Just to mention a few: Mr. David Kuria of Ecotact for his role in promoting eco-friendly
sanitation solutions this including Ikotiolet public toilets initiatives in many urban centers in Kenya;
Ms. Cecilia Mwangi who has been a lone voice for a long time on the fight against the jiggers menace
and Mr. Humphreys Khayange, a notable player in our national rugby team. May they serve as our
inspiration and indeed give us people we can emulate.

In recognition of the exemplary public service our Alumni has done and to recognize the efforts of
our students, the Association has established various schemes to award and recognize individuals who
excel in their studies and service to community. These include the Achievement Award Programme
(PAA award) and Distinguished Service Award which were inaugurated during our last reunion held in
May this year. I welcome all alumni to support these initiatives. I am delighted to note that one of
the recipients of the PAA award, Mr. Samuel Kamochu Kuria (graduating), recently won the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Africa Internet Technologies Initiative (MIT AITI) mobile
phone software application development competition held at Strathmore University.

Finally in conclusion, allow me to reiterate our role and responsibility in supporting the
Government’s endeavor particularly as this regards the Vision 2030. This is especially so given
that technology remains a critical factor in all processes aimed at economic and social transformation.
JKUAT alumni and their University community are particularly challenged given that 80% of our population
is dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. We therefore cannot remain indifferent to plight
bedeviling our society. We should identify and be seen to do so with the food and water crisis
prevailing in our country, and actively participate in seeking long term solutions to the situation. I
call upon all of us to find avenues to contribute individually or collectively to such noble pursuits.

There is no doubt that we have been well prepared by our alma mater to perform our respective roles.
May we rise up to the challenge ahead with dignity and pride, prayerfully endeavoring to do what we
must do together to make this great Institution achieve its noble task of developing graduates who
can play their part in moving Kenya to its rightful position amongst the community of nations.

Thank you.

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