SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA DURING THE 4TH CONGREGATION FOR THE CONFERMENT OF DEGREES AND AWARD OF DIPLOMAS AT MASINDE MULIRO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KAKAMEGA, 29TH OCTOBER, 2010

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to preside over the 4th Graduation Ceremony of the Masinde Muliro University, an institution that I am proud to be associated with. Let me begin by congratulating the graduands for the hard work, dedication and sacrifice that has culminated in the successful completion of your studies. This is your day and we celebrate with you this important milestone in your life. You have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to enable you join the rest of Kenyans in the noble task of nation building.

I am pleased to note that this University has recorded tremendous growth in terms of student enrollment and infrastructure development since its inauguration four years ago.

The modern buildings, including a new library, a science complex, main catering unit and lecture halls are testimony of what good planning can do. Indeed, the infrastructure built and the number of well-rounded qualified graduates coming out of this University is evidence that the University is on the right path to contributing to the pool of national human resource needed to push our country to the next level of development.

However, I note that although the University has undertaken a lot of physical development, this may not have accorded sufficient attention to the needs of female students, especially their residential facilities. In this regard, I am pleased to announce that the Government will make available to the University 100 million shillings for the construction of a Women's Hall.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My Government is committed to developing skilled human resources in all areas and disciplines that are necessary for our national prosperity and global competitiveness as envisioned in VISION TWENTY THIRTY. Moreover, we must ensure that they are fully equipped to enable us take maximum advantage of the latest advances in scientific and technological developments.

In this regard, and in order to facilitate the rapid production of such high quality, relevant and skilled human capital for our country, my Government will ensure that sufficient resources are put into the higher education sector. In addition to normal allocations, the Government is considering the floatation of a Higher Education Infrastructure Bond in order to make funds available to universities for expansion of capacity, especially in the newly established university colleges. The expanded space will, among other things, resolve the long-standing problem of delayed university admissions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

One of the biggest concerns for students graduating from our universities is the attainment of gainful employment. My Government is keen on providing an enabling political, social and economic environment for the creation of jobs by the private sector.
Moreover, I call upon employers to provide our new graduates with internship opportunities to enable them acquire practical skills and knowledge in the workplace. I also encourage those among you with innovative and creative ideas to have the courage and set up businesses that will meet the needs of our people as well as create jobs and generate income.

The Government has set up various funds where our youth can seek resources for the establishment of their businesses. I take this opportunity to urge our financial institutions to develop lending products that will tap into the immense business potential possessed by our youth.

In conclusion, I wish to thank the University Management, Council, Senate and the lecturers for the good work that you have continued to do. Once again, I congratulate all the graduands for your achievements and wish you all the very best as you take up your role in building our nation.

As you graduate today, you must all remember that nation building requires that you adopt a culture of hard work, integrity and diligence. It is important that you go into the world and become role models who can be emulated by your siblings, peers and communities.

It is also important to bear in mind that the nation looks upon you to foster the spirit of our new Constitution towards building a prosperous new Kenya. As you leave this University, I call upon you to give your best with a view to making our society a better place to live in.

Keep in mind that only good, ethical behavior as well as patriotic actions bring pride to our nation. Be prepared to be counted among a generation that abhors corruption and one where our national identity as Kenyans overrides communal identity.

Thank you and God bless you all.