SPEECH BY HON. EZEKIEL MACHOGU, CBS; CABINET SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

SPEECH BY HON. EZEKIEL MACHOGU, CBS; CABINET SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DURING THE 46^TH GRADUATION CEREMONY OF EGERTON UNIVERSITY ON FRIDAY, 10^TH FEBRUARY 2023 

• Chancellor, Egerton University, Dr. Narendra Raval (Guru)
• Chairman of Council, Amb. Dr. Hukka Wario
• Council Members,
• Chairpersons and Members of Councils of other universities
• Vice Chancellor, Egerton University, Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage
• Vice Chancellors of other universities
• Deputy Vice Chancellors
• National and County Leaders present,
• Graduands,
• Staff and students,
• Alumni,
• Parents and Guardians,
• Distinguished Guests,
• Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning!

I am very delighted to join you today, on the occasion of the 46^th Graduation Ceremony of this esteemed University. I take this early opportunity to congratulate the graduands on this key milestone and wish them productive and rewarding future endeavours.

As a Ministry, we are happy to witness the convocation of a well-trained and qualified human capital ready to serve in various sectors of our economy.

I want to assure you that the knowledge, skills and experiences you have acquired will catalyse an enduring prosperity, and, greatly augment Government efforts in raising the quality of life for all Kenyans.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We gather here today, to celebrate the achievements of the graduands who have worked tirelessly to attain their academic goals.

Our graduands have traversed through the arduous and challenging journey of education, and today, they stand tall, accomplished individuals, ready to take on a world full of opportunities that wait to be uncovered!

Mr. Chancellor Sir,

I am proud to note that the Ministry of Education has worked with this University to support the attainment of the key targets under the universal goal of quality education, that is, Sustainable Development Goal number 4.

I want to stress that any progressive higher education system, anywhere in the world is not without challenges.

But it is, the resilience of a people that makes a difference.

Within our context, we are dealing with a variety of issues that call for concerted effort to streamline the higher education ecosystem so as to maximize its impact:

1. a rising number of candidates qualifying to join universities and graduating every year, and at a rate that far exceeds employment opportunities;
2. immense pressure to diversify training opportunities to bridge key skill gaps so as to meet labour market needs, and, to match technologically driven global megatrends;

• the tension between global citizenship and the integrity of our traditional values;

1. increasing labour mobility, internationalisation and borderless collaboration in education and research.

Ladies and gentlemen,

What should we anticipate in this case?

That employment security will become more and more elusive.

Education is no longer a ticket to a good job.

It is a tool to make a difference in the world we live in today, and particularly, as we move into a future that no one knows what it holds!

But march forth with confidence, our dear graduands,

Because you have been equipped to be agents of change in your respective fields of study.

You have the capacity to adapt and creative innovative job opportunities for yourselves and for others in society.

This new paradigm is inevitable, embrace it and you will thrive.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let us take a moment to reflect on the state of higher education in Kenya today. In recent years, we have made significant strides in expanding access to higher education. We have increased the number of universities, and we have seen a rise in enrollment numbers. However, we are also aware of the challenges that still exist, particularly in funding, quality and relevant university education for all deserving students.

Sadly, we are aware that the funding problem has weighed heavily upon this great university, its management, staff and students.

We are totally committed to resolving this problem and have been engaging the University Council closely. We are working through various options and will work out and implement a sustainable solution collectively.

Let me reiterate that my presence her today bears testimony to the fact that you are not alone!

Ladies and gentleman,

While we appreciate the call for additional funding, I urge University Councils and Management need to look deep into their operations, and, make some pragmatic decisions that will ensure the turnaround of their respective institutions. 

We find ourselves in extra ordinary times and I want to call upon our councils to put everything on the table, from utilising  idle assets, to expanding alternative means of resource mobilization, exploring public private partnerships as well as instituting cost cutting measures.

 Towards this end, I would like to commend our university councils and managers for working closely with the Ministry  to explore various possibilities of revitalizing their funding streams and other mechanisms of assuring the  sustainability of our universities.

Let me restate that the work that we have begun, is not mere rhetoric, but a well thought through process that will generate viable solutions.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Government has also put in place to enhance the quality of higher education. For example,

• we have implemented policies to enhance the accreditation process for universities,
• we are in the process of increasing funding for research and development.
• we are also building the necessary infrastructure and skills to maximize the provident of a digital economy.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let us never forget to celebrate the success stories of Egerton University,

I am pleased to note that Egerton University has made a positive impact on many fronts.

Egerton University joined the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr. William Ruto in launching the National Programme for Accelerated Forestry and Rangelands Restoration last year. I commend the University for its efforts in environmental conservation geared towards addressing the negative effects of climate change.

Indeed, Egerton university is a leading light and supports the country’s key priority area of attain food security through innovative research and technology for agricultural systems.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As I conclude, I would like to draw our attention to ongoing work of the Presidential Working Party on Education reforms. We are eagerly awaiting this report, it is a melting pot for great ideas and practical solutions for revitalizing university education in our country.

Trust me, the future is bright, and this is not mere rhetoric!

Ladies and gentlemen,

Once again, I congratulate our dear graduands on their  achievements.

You have worked hard to reach this point and you should be proud of your accomplishments.

I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

I know that I will be hearing your success stories, for to succeed, you must!

Thank you,

God bless you!

God bless Kenya!

Speech delivered by the Dr Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research Ministry of Education on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Education Hon. Ezekiel Machogu

PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TWEETS

#Egerton46Graduation @EduMinKenya @Bettymuganda17

Speaking now Dr Beatrice Inyangala @Bettymuganda17, The Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research, @EduMinKenya at the #Egerton46Graduation at Main Campus in Njoro.

I take this early opportunity to congratulate the graduands on this key milestone and wish them productive and rewarding future endeavours. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

As a Ministry, we are happy to witness the convocation of a well-trained and qualified human capital ready to serve in various sectors of our economy. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

I want to assure you that the knowledge, skills and experiences you have acquired will catalyse an enduring prosperity, and, greatly augment Government efforts in raising the quality of life for all Kenyans. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

I am proud to note that the Ministry of Education has worked with this University to support the attainment of the key targets under the universal goal of quality education, that is, Sustainable Development Goal number 4. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

I want to stress that any progressive higher education system, anywhere in the world is not without challenges. But it is, the resilience of a people that makes a difference. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

Within our context, we are dealing with a variety of issues that call for concerted effort to streamline the higher education ecosystem so as to maximize its impact: Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

a rising number of candidates qualifying to join universities and graduating every year, and at a rate that far exceeds employment opportunities;

immense pressure to diversify training opportunities to bridge key skill gaps so as to meet labour market needs, and, to match technologically driven global megatrends;

the tension between global citizenship and the integrity of our traditional values;

increasing labour mobility, internationalisation and borderless collaboration in education and research.

Education is no longer a ticket to a good job. It is a tool to make a difference in the world we live in today, and particularly, as we move into a future that no one knows what it holds! Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

But march forth with confidence, our dear graduands, Because you have been equipped to be agents of change in your respective fields of study. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

Let us take a moment to reflect on the state of higher education in Kenya today. In recent years, we have made significant strides in expanding access to higher education. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

We have increased the number of universities, and we have seen a rise in enrollment numbers. However, we are also aware of the challenges that still exist, particularly in funding, quality and relevant university education for all deserving students. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

Sadly, we are aware that the funding problem has weighed heavily upon this great university, its management, staff and students. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

We are totally committed to resolving this problem and have been engaging the University Council closely. We are working through various options and will work out and implement a sustainable solution collectively. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

Let me reiterate that my presence her today bears testimony to the fact that you are not alone! Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

While we appreciate the call for additional funding, I urge University Councils and Management need to look deep into their operations, and, make some pragmatic decisions that will ensure the turnaround of their respective institutions.  Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

We find ourselves in extra ordinary times and I want to call upon our councils to put everything on the table, from utilising  idle assets, to expanding alternative means of resource mobilization, exploring public private partnerships as well as instituting cost cutting measures. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

Towards this end, I would like to commend our university councils and managers for working closely with the Ministry  to explore various possibilities of revitalizing their funding streams and other mechanisms of assuring the  sustainability of our universities. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

The Government has also put in place to enhance the quality of higher education. For example,

we have implemented policies to enhance the accreditation process for universities,

we are in the process of increasing funding for research and development.

we are also building the necessary infrastructure and skills to maximize the provident of a digital economy. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

Let us never forget to celebrate the success stories of Egerton University, I am pleased to note that Egerton University has made a positive impact on many fronts. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

Egerton University joined the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr. William Ruto in launching the National Programme for Accelerated Forestry and Rangelands Restoration last year. I commend the University for its efforts in environmental conservation geared towards addressing the negative effects of climate change. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

Indeed, Egerton university is a leading light and supports the country’s key priority area of attain food security through innovative research and technology for agricultural systems. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

I would like to draw our attention to ongoing work of the Presidential Working Party on Education reforms. We are eagerly awaiting this report, it is a melting pot for great ideas and practical solutions for revitalizing university education in our country. Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation

I congratulate our dear graduands on their achievements. You have worked hard to reach this point and you should be proud of your accomplishments. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. I know that I will be hearing your success stories, for to succeed, you must! Dr Inyangala @Bettymuganda17 – PS Higher Education & Research @EduMinKenya #Egerton46Graduation