MKU unveils sh 100 million fund to recognize and award alumni with positive impact in their communities

Mount Kenya University has unveiled a sh 100 million annual alumni kitty to recognize the institution’s alumni for their unreserved services to the communities where they work from.

The University Founder and Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu revealed that beneficiaries of the funds will be nominated and selected competitively to ensure that those with positive impacts to the community benefit.

Prof Gicharu made the revelation during the university’s 28th graduation ceremony held at the Happy Valley grounds in Thika, Kiambu County on Friday. He noted that the fund is part of the Alumni Extra-Mile Recognition that has been established by the university board to award those with sterling contribution to the society.

He noted that the cash is a grant to enable MKU’s alumni serves the communities better in their areas of expertise. “Upon receiving the cash award, they shall ensure they spend the cash award in what they were nominated for or that special engagement which led to their nomination,” Prof Gicharu said.

The Chairman added, “The Board is encouraging the Mount Kenya University Graduates including those graduating during the 28th Graduation Ceremony to give their unreserved services to the communities where they are working and have their impact positively noticed. The MKU alumni must strive to go an extra mile in their services.”

He quipped that beneficiaries must strive and aspire to go an extra mile for their services to be better felt by the communities they serve.

“For instance, if you are a nurse in a hospital near a slum, what would you do as an extra engagement within the community to reach out to the nearby disadvantaged community and offer your professional support? How can your presence in that neighborhood be felt?” he posed.

The university Vice Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi quipped that the award recognizes graduates excelling in professional excellence, leadership, public service, community engagement, global impact, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Prof Jaganyi noted that besides being key pillars in the society, alumni also play a pivotal role in shaping learning, career choices and job market trends and assisting continuing students align their studies with the current market demands.

He averred that alumni of institutions of higher learning should be in the forefront in mentoring current students, providing internships, contributing to scholarships and research, volunteering in alumni activities and being advocate for their respective institutions.

The VC also emphasized the importance of alumni connections, likening them to sails on a boat each strong individually, but only able to propel forward when joined together.

Dr Vincent Gaitho, Chairman of the University Council and the University Pro Chancellor, reaffirmed MKU’s pivotal role in shaping responsible leadership and governance in Kenya and beyond.

He highlighted that with the growing alumni network, MKU continues to influence socio-economic development through research, innovation, community engagement, and leadership training.

Meanwhile, Prof Gicharu announced that placement of apprentices in Germany and Austria will be enhanced with the fifth cohort expected to depart in March 2026.

Already, some 54 highly trained nurses have transitioned to Germany in partnership agreement between MKU and Germany’s Hochschule Koblenz (Koblenz University), and German healthcare institutions courtesy of AG-Career Hub.

“We appreciate the Government of Kenya for the mobility agreement signed with the Federal Government of Germany which has helped in creating a conducive environment for our Germany-bound apprentice’s placement initiative,” Prof Gicharu said.

Dr Aurelia Rono, the Principal Secretary State Department for Parliamentary Affairs, Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, called on institutions of higher learning to mold students and cultivate responsible leaders.

He also challenged Universities to lead in the front driving innovations that address real-world problems. She recognized key innovations from MKU including Nanaheal Enterprises and EcoBlue, which are producing globally recognized and environmentally friendly solutions.

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