Egerton University's Dryland Research Training and Ecotourism Centre – CHEMERON Campus marked a historic and proud milestone on Friday, 25th April 2025, as it hosted its inaugural Graduation Ceremony for the award of Certificates. The vibrant event was a celebration of achievement, resilience, and the Centre’s growing role in advancing dryland research and ecotourism training in Kenya.
The colorful ceremony was graced by the University’s top leadership, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage, who presided over the event. He was joined by Deputy Vice Chancellors Prof. Bernard Aduda (Academics, Research and Extension) and Prof. Richard Mulwa (Administration, Finance and Planning), emphasizing the high regard in which the University holds the CHEMERON Campus. Their presence, along with other senior university officials, underlined Egerton University’s commitment to expanding education and research excellence to all its satellite campuses.
Other notable officials in attendance included;Director of Research Prof. George Owuor, Ag. Principal of Nakuru City Campus College Prof. George Ogendi, Director of the CHEMERON Centre Dr. Dickson Makanji, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Dr. John Nduko, and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Environment,Ag. Registrar Human Capital Administration Mr. Leonard Chesang’ and Resources Development Dr. Humphreys Obulinji. Their collective support reflected a unified vision for the growth and success of the CHEMERON Centre.
A major highlight of the day was the presence of Hon. Charles Kamuren, the Member of Parliament for Baringo South. Hon. Kamuren received a warm welcome from the gathering, in recognition of his vital support towards the Centre’s establishment and development. In particular, his efforts in empowering about 92 candidates — now proud graduates — were acknowledged as pivotal in creating access to professional training and education for youth in Kenya’s dryland regions.
Speaking during the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof. Kibwage commended the CHEMERON Centre for its hands-on, community-driven approach to training. He highlighted the critical importance of dryland agriculture and ecotourism education in tackling issues such as climate change, food security, and sustainable livelihoods in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Prof. Kibwage emphasized that institutions like CHEMERON Campus are not only centers of academic excellence but also engines of socio-economic transformation.
“This is not just a graduation ceremony; it is a celebration of hope and resilience," Prof. Kibwage stated. "We are witnessing the fruits of a vision that sought to bring education closer to our communities, to empower young people with skills that are practical, relevant, and transformative."
In a symbolic gesture of growth and sustainability, Prof. Richard Mulwa gifted each graduating student a fruit tree seedling, while Prof. Kibwage contributed a medicinal tree seedling to every graduate. These living tokens serve as lasting reminders of the graduates' journeys at CHEMERON and their role as custodians of environmental stewardship.
Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Bernard Aduda reassured the graduates that their certificates, once finalized, would be available for collection directly at the CHEMERON Campus. This thoughtful move was aimed at sparing graduates the burden of traveling to the Njoro Main Campus, reaffirming the University’s commitment to student convenience and service delivery.
Hon. Kamuren, speaking passionately during the event, reiterated his commitment to supporting educational initiatives in Baringo South. He emphasized that education remains the most powerful tool for transforming communities, particularly in marginalized and underserved dryland areas. His continued advocacy for programs at CHEMERON has been instrumental in expanding opportunities for local youth to gain vital skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
The graduates, drawn predominantly from local communities, celebrated their success with great enthusiasm and optimism. Families, friends, and faculty members cheered and applauded as the graduates received their honors, signaling the start of new journeys in service to their communities and the nation.
For the graduates, the day was not just about receiving certificates; it was about setting forth as ambassadors of sustainable agriculture, conservation, and innovation in Kenya’s dryland regions. Many expressed their eagerness to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to help build resilient communities and promote environmentally sustainable practices.
As the sun set over the scenic CHEMERON landscape, it was clear that this inaugural graduation was just the beginning. The Centre is poised to become a leading hub for training, research, and community engagement in dryland areas. The success of the first cohort of graduates sets a strong foundation for future achievements and expanded programs.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Kibwage reaffirmed Egerton University's vision of providing inclusive, high-quality education that meets the needs of diverse communities across Kenya and beyond. He praised the dedication of the staff at CHEMERON and encouraged the graduates to remain lifelong learners and innovators.
The first graduation ceremony at CHEMERON Campus was a proud, historic moment — a testament to what can be achieved through visionary leadership, community support, and unwavering commitment to education and sustainable development.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
