The University of Nairobi held its 74th graduation ceremony on Thursday, 11th December 2025 at the Chancellor’s Court. The event saw the Faculty of Built Environment and Design present a strong cohort of professionals to the job market.
Faculty Dean Prof. Owiti K’Akumu presented the graduands to receive their degrees. The faculty awarded 1 PhD, 52 Bachelor’s degrees and 8 Master’s degrees.
A major highlight for the faculty was the conferment of a Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Management to Dr. Jacquelyne Jerotich Legishion. She was among the 4,504 graduates who celebrated their achievement during the ceremony.
Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba graced the occasion as the chief guest. He addressed the recent industrial action that had affected learning in public universities.
“We gather today having just navigated a challenging season. The recent industrial action in the university sub-sector was a moment of deep anxiety for the education sector and the nation at large,” CS Ogamba said.
He noted that universities are the engine of the economy. He termed the resolution signed on November 5, 2025, which ended the 49-day strike, as a win for the country. “The resolution... was not a surrender; it was a victory for patriotism. Dialogue prevailed. It was a commitment to restore trust,” he stated.
The CS also brought good news regarding university funding.
“I wish to announce that the Government is committed to releasing the two tranches of the outstanding Sh7.9 Billion as agreed within this Financial Year.”
The University Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Verkooijen, challenged the graduates to adapt quickly to the changing world. He noted that 620 million new people will be looking for jobs in Africa between now and 2050.
“Class of 2025, Your talent is your passport, Your determination is your engine, Your imagination is your compass. Dream big, Act fast, lead with purpose,” Prof. Verkooijen told the congregation.
He emphasized the reality of the digital age.
“Digital transformation is NOT coming — it is already here. It powers finance, communication, health, agriculture, and education. And you, class of 2025, you are stepping into this moment not as passengers — but as pilots.”
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jesang Hutchinson highlighted the university's achievements in research and curriculum development.
“At the institution, we have revised old curricula and introduced new ones, e.g. MSc in AI, a common entrepreneurship course among others, including the launch of the UoN Innovation hub,” she said. She also gave a report on the university's financial health regarding research. “We were able to attract 88 research grants worth Ksh. 5.4 billion that I reported in the September graduation, and another KShs 1.026 billion between July and November 2025.”
Council Chair Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti Chacha reminded the graduates of their new role in society.
“You are the newest ambassadors of the University of Nairobi. You are graduating at a time when our country is undergoing major transformation—economically, technologically and institutionally,” he said.
He urged them to take the graduation theme, Empowering Futures for an Innovative and Technologically Driven World, seriously.
“It is not a slogan; it is a call to action,” Prof. Chacha noted. “You step out today as key actors in that plan, not spectators.”
Congratulations to Dr. Legishion and all graduands from the Faculty of Built Environment and Design.
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