University of Eldoret held its 13th Graduation Ceremony on Thursday 21st November, 2024 where 2,952 were conferred with degrees and awarded diplomas during a colorful graduation ceremony presided over by the Ag. Chancellor, Dr. Ismail Buro.

This graduation was special as the first Honorary Degree of the University of Eldoret was conferred to Ms. Faith Kipyegon, (now Dr. Faith Kipyegon). She was awarded the Degree of Doctor of Education, Honois Causa (Hon.D.Ed.).

It was a celebration and a happy ceremony. The heavens opened and we experienced showers which were a sign of blessings on the function and to the graduands. Kayamba Africa got the graduands dancing and the academia on their feet when they sang their song “Tushangilie Kenya Taifa Yetu Tukufu”.

During the graduation ceremony 150 graduands were awarded with Diplomas, 2,655 received Undergraduate Degrees, and 40 obtained Post-Graduate Diplomas. 67 graduands received Masters and 40 were conferred with Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Among the Ph.D. graduands were 3 colleagues from the University of Eldoret,

1. Dr. Josephine Barasa - Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science
2. Dr. Ambrose Toromo - Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences 
3. Dr. Patrick M. Wangui - Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics

Dr. Ismail Buro, the Ag. Chancellor in his speech remarked that the graduands had been nurtured by the University and were innovators and entrepreneurs, persons with remarkable skills that would enable them to flourish and grow in whichever institution they would join and be able to transform their communities and societies. He advised them to utilize their God-given talents wisely and work with diligence, passion and be of good character, be worthy ambassadors of the University. He challenged them to be committed, reliable, consistent and responsible while upholding high levels of integrity. With this he mentioned would assist in the development of Kenya as a country and make it a better place for the future generation.

Dr. Roselida Owuor, the Director of Research from the Ministry of Education who represented both the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education Hon. Julius Ogamba and the Principal Secretary State Department of Higher Education, Hon. Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, as she congratulated the graduands posed that education was the greatest equalizer in any nation and society thus the Ministry’s mandate was to ensure that all students had access to quality University education. “For greater economic growth in a country it is critical to have a pool of highly skilled manpower. This is assessed through quality University education and if there is collective effort from all stakeholders within the education industry” she said. She urged them to uphold the values of integrity and accountability, focus on their work to be able to contribute effectively to nation building and service to humanity. She encouraged the graduands to serve their community and serve their nation as they had been well prepared and equipped with relevant skills that would aid them face the challenges they would face after campus. As she concluded she  quoted Steve Jobs saying, “Be a yardstick of quality,” noting that some people are not used to an environment where resilience and excellence is expected.

Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot, the Vice-Chancellor, congratulated the Class of 2024 stating that the graduands had achieved a significant milestone  in their academic journey, leaving the University as ambassadors of knowledge and innovation. He reminded them that they would need to use their skills to create solutions, champion sustainability and contribute to the global good. “Proper leaders and innovators have visions and hope, and this is what gives you the responsibility to endeavour to be the best and endeavour to do good to others.” He encouraged them to be continuous learners and enrol in the University for postgraduate programmes. In closing he urged the graduands to seek to bring about positive change in the world as their education is a torch that lights the paths for others.

Congratulations Class of 2024!