National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula has challenged graduates to look beyond the Kenyan borders for job opportunities.
Speaking during a graduation ceremony at Mount Kenya University, Wetangula recounted how he was treated by a Kenyan when he fell ill on his trip abroad, saying it made him feel at home.
“I had visited an Isle of Man Island when I fell sick one evening after developing some fever. When I was rushed to hospital, I was received by a nurse from Kenya who greeted me in Swahili…,” said Wetangula.
He noted that the feeling of meeting a fellow Kenyan away from home made him feel safe and comfortable.
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He recounted of a second case where he was recently in the United Kingdom to watch a football match, only to be introduced to another Kenyan working as a chef in the club.
“I was introduced to a young girl who works as chief chef and nutritionist at the Arsenal football club,” he added.
While emphasizing on the importance of looking beyond the limited opportunities, he added that the cases were an indicator of how intellectual and manpower in human resource that Kenya has.
Kenyans’ Special Capabilities
In a third scenario, he noted how elated he was during his visit to Nepal, in South Asia, when the manager in charge of the welcoming party at a five-star hotel turned out to be Kenyan.
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“It shows tremendous capacity by Kenyans to adapt anywhere in the world, thanks to Kenyan institutions that mold our young people to their best,” he said.
Be More Flexible to Opportunities
He called on the graduates to be more flexible and emulate their fellow Kenyans who are going beyond their limits across the world.
“As we cry and complain about lack of jobs in our country, it is important to remember that there are Kenyans who are out there doing well in the various sectors. Across the world, there are sectors being manned and managed by Kenyans,” he added.
Speaking during the ceremony, the University Founder Prof Simon Gichuru announced a sSh 80 million waiver for over 4,000 students who had fees arrears.
He noted that the pandemic which hit the world in 2020 worsened the situation.
“Over 4,000 past students have accumulated storage fees, library arrears, and late return of graduation gowns. In total, the levies amount to about Ksh80 million…True to the university motto…we don’t want to be the hinderance towards unlocking the infinite possibilities for you.
Therefore, we are extending this waiver and all past students can now come and collect their academic certificates,” said Prof Gichuru.
Speaker Wetangula was the Chief Guest during the university’s 23rd graduation ceremony, during which the university coffered an honorary doctorate degree to the International Criminal Court – ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan.
