Photo/ Dr Julius Kipngetich in a tree planting at MKU during 29th graduation ceremony
The Mountain Journal
The youth should not rely only on employment opportunities created by others but they should look for solutions to challenges facing the community and craft their own undertaking.
Dr Julius Kipngetich, the Group CEO of Jubilee Holdings Ltd, during the 29th graduation at the Mount Kenya University (MKU) on Friday supported the theme: Youth as Architects of Social Change, Ethical Governance and Inclusivity.He advised young people who want a better life to pursue lifelong learning, reskilling and upskilling continuously in digital literacy, data and emerging tools such as artificial intelligence.
He said this is because “the jobs of 2030 will demand competencies that we are yet to see.”
Dr Kipngetich further advised the youth to conduct themselves ethically where in the political arena, whether as a candidate or a citizen, should refuse in trading of vote, your voice or your silence, for a handout.
He said, “The world will not always be watching you. Be ethical anyway”.
He added that to be able to manage a company, run a farm, or sit in public office, ensure the people around you, your colleagues, your community, your constituents, feel the benefit from you.
“ Mentor someone. Make room for someone. Build systems that do not only serve you,” he said.
Dr Kipngetich said an opening creates a chain that benefits many as he illustrated how a graduate would feed many families through opening a restaurant and employing a cook, buying produce from farmers, paying boda riders for transport, illustrates his argument.
“This is an example on how an individual can contribute to the overall employment ecosystem and hence the social change all desire while eking out a living,” he said.
Dr Kipngetich reminded the graduands that their degree is but a foundation they can use to build careers and businesses, pointing out that a commerce graduate can build a successful private health clinic, just as an engineer can walk away from a building site and establish a potato farm.
He informed them that their certificate has no limit as to where your usefulness can take you, noting that the youth can learn about success from the Fifa World Cup.
“ You have seen how young players from humble backgrounds beat extraordinary odds of being immigrants to being globally celebrated soccer icons. You too can craft your own destiny from today or continue the destiny you have moulded for the last four or so years into a celebrated life,” he said.
He further advised them to look beyond the border, pointing out MKU alumni found opportunities in Germany, Austria and many other countries.
“Be ambitious and try your opportunity outside the box,” he explained.
Kipngetich urged the graduates interested to pursue political offices to have new strategies warning them against inheriting the old political strategies.
“Be a different kind of leader, one who engages the community for ideas, rather than identities; one who builds coalitions rather than personalities,” he said.
The Varsity’s Chancellor Prof John Struthers, said the youth must be competitive and resilient to thrive in today’s global village.
Prof Struthers was among the day’s speakers who sought to encourage the graduands that there is hope, and that it’s possible to excel after graduating.
He pointed out that through strategic partnerships and international collaboration, MKU already supports students’ uptake of evolving technology. It’s upon them to keep abreast of new and emerging technologies, which are bound to significantly impact their lives.
Prof Struthers noted MKU’s recent operationalisation of its Cloud Computing Laboratory through collaboration with Xinyada ICT Company and leading Chinese higher education institutions.
“ This development is critical to teaching students about continued advancements in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, 5-G technology and Internet-of-Things,” he said.
All these, he said demonstrate MKUs unwavering commitment to preparing graduates for the opportunities and challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. These initiatives reflect a university that continually anticipates the future while remaining firmly committed to solving society’s most pressing challenges.”
MKU Council Chairman, Dr Vincent Gaitho, reminded the graduating students that they are entering a world that is increasingly interconnected, dynamic, and complex.
“ Within these challenges lie countless opportunities to make a meaningful difference. As professionals and leaders, you have the power to drive social transformation, promote ethical governance, and advance inclusivity in every sphere of life,” he said.
MKU Alumni Association Chairman, Mr Gikera Kahara, said having been empowered, graduands can mentor students at their alma mater, or give their time and other resources towards various programmes meant to impact society, the university, and the alumni community. “Such programmes include alumni-led community-engaging activities; for example, the recent Boda Safe Ride programme that commenced in Bungoma County and that will be replicated across the 47 counties,” he said.
Mr Kahara urged them not to give up when faced with challenges. Instead, gather some courage and try again, or even change tack. It is said, successful people are those who refuse to give up even when they fail.
