It is my great honour to stand before you at this 49th Graduation Ceremony of Egerton University. On behalf of the University Council, I warmly congratulate all our graduands on this outstanding achievement.
The University Council provides governance, oversight, and strategic direction to ensure Egerton fulfils its mandate in teaching, research, learning, and extension. The function of stewardship promotes effective and sustainable operations by safeguarding academic standards, ensuring prudent financial management, strengthening partnerships, and protecting the University’s resources to deliver lasting public value.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In the period leading to this graduation, the Council has been actively engaged in initiatives directly relevant to your student experience and to the quality of the degree you receive today. I will highlight a few of these and show how each aligns with the University’s core functions.
Let me begin with our strategic direction. The Council approved and continues to oversee the implementation of the University Strategic Plan, which sets priorities for strengthening research, revitalizing academic programmes, enhancing infrastructure, commercializing innovations, and deepening community engagement.”
Second, quality systems and service delivery. The Council endorsed the University’s adoption of internationally recognised standards, including the ISO 9001:2015 quality-management framework. We see ISO not merely as a certification, but as a tool for strengthening processes and improving services that directly enhance your university experience.
Third, research and extension. Egerton’s research portfolio includes projects that translate directly into livelihoods and local industry support; climate-smart agriculture interventions; seed potato development; agribusiness incubation and value chain work. When Council evaluates resource allocation, it does so with the expectation that research must have tangible, scalable outcomes.
Fourth, partnerships and collaborations. In recent months the University has deepened ties with national research bodies and sector partners to host and participate in forums that translate evidence to policy. The Council has promoted collaborations that expand student internships, joint research and industry collaborations.
The aforemention four pillars—strategy, quality, research, and partnerships—anchor Egerton University’s transformation. The Council’s focus is to ensure they reinforce one another: strategy drives quality; quality strengthens research credibility; research fuels partnerships; and partnerships open new frontiers for teaching, innovation, and community impact.
Graduands,
As you enter the next chapter, I urge you to remain connected. Your engagement as alumni will amplify the value of your degree and strengthen the University’s capacity to fulfil its mission.
I also wish to recognise the faculty and staff whose mentorship and daily commitment made this graduation possible; the parents and guardians whose sacrifices brought you to this moment; and the University Management for translating strategic priorities into action and ensuring that Council oversight leads to meaningful progress.
On behalf of the University Council, I reaffirm our commitment to continued oversight, prudent stewardship, resource advocacy, and an unwavering focus on quality and relevance. Let us work together to ensure that the future of Egerton University remains bright, impactful, and aligned with national development goals.
Graduands go forth as good ambassadors of this great University. Represent Egerton with integrity, excellence, and purpose.
As I conclude may I say Congratulations to you Graduands and Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year 2026.
