Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished Guests,
Graduands,
It is a great honour to join you today for the 2nd Graduation Ceremony of the Dryland Research Training and Ecotourism Centre (DRTEC) Chemeron, a key campus of Egerton University.
At the national level, education remains central to the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Under this framework, we are prioritising climate resilience and sustainable development. These are not abstract goals, they are immediate necessities, particularly for communities in arid and semi-arid regions such as Baringo County.
The education sector is responding by aligning training, research and innovation with these priorities. We are strengthening programmes that address climate change, promoting sustainable tourism and investing in dryland development. This is why institutions like DRTEC Chemeron are so important, they sit at the intersection of education, environment and community transformation.
I commend Egerton University for its leadership in this space. The University is not only offering academic programmes but also advancing research and building critical linkages between academia, industry and public policy. This integrated approach ensures that knowledge generated in our institutions is translated into practical solutions that benefit society.
The significance of DRTEC’s training programmes cannot be overstated. From supporting conservancies and community-based tourism ventures to advancing climate adaptation projects, the Centre is empowering communities with skills that directly improve livelihoods. It is a model of how higher education can be responsive, place-based and impactful.
Graduands, as you receive your certificates today, you are stepping into a world that demands innovation and initiative. You must go beyond seeking opportunities, you must become creators of opportunity. The knowledge and skills you have acquired here position you to drive change in your communities, particularly in advancing sustainable resource use, entrepreneurship and resilience.
To our stakeholders, government agencies, development partners and the private sector, I encourage you to continue partnering with Egerton University. Collaboration will be key in scaling up the gains we see here and ensuring that research and training continue to address national and local development needs.
The Government remains committed to supporting education through progressive policies, including reforms in higher education financing, expansion of technical and vocational pathways and sustained investment in research and innovation. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that our education system remains inclusive, relevant and responsive to current and future challenges.
In closing, let us continue to invest in skills that promote sustainability and resilience. These are the skills that will define the future of our country.
Congratulations to the graduands, and I wish you success as you embark on the next chapter of your journey.
Thank you.
