Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged university graduates to look beyond formal employment and embrace innovation, technical skills and entrepreneurship to create opportunities and contribute to Kenya’s development.
Speaking during the 61st graduation ceremony of Scott Christian University in Machakos, Murkomen told the Class of 2026 that the changing labour market requires graduates who can combine academic qualifications with practical skills and innovative thinking. He urged the graduates not to wait solely for government or formal employment, but instead use their knowledge to identify opportunities in sectors such as technology, agriculture and entrepreneurship.
“Do not wait only for government employment. Apply what you have learned in entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology and other sectors that create opportunities and respond to community needs,” Murkomen said.
The CS welcomed the university’s integration of technical and vocational training into its degree programmes, noting that practical skills would become increasingly important as the labour market evolves.
Embracing technology
Murkomen also highlighted the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies, saying Kenya needs graduates capable of turning knowledge and innovation into practical solutions.
He challenged the graduates to view economic and employment challenges as opportunities to develop new ideas, businesses and solutions to problems facing communities.
The CS also urged the graduates to contribute to national cohesion by becoming champions of peace, unity, integrity and responsible citizenship.
“As the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, I am acutely aware that a peaceful and secure Kenya cannot be built by the government alone,” he said.
Education for a changing world
Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Dr Beatrice Muganda Inyangala said universities must prepare graduates to navigate a rapidly changing world. She reminded the Class of 2026 that graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities and challenges.
“Graduation is more than an academic tradition or rite of passage. It signifies new beginnings, new opportunities and new challenges,” Inyangala said.
She encouraged the graduates to carry forward not only the knowledge acquired in university but also values of integrity, service and responsibility. Scott Christian University Chancellor Rev. Prof. Jacob Kibor similarly challenged the graduates to become creators of opportunities rather than simply seeking existing ones.
Speaking under the university’s theme, “Empowering Graduates for National Transformation: Innovation, Skills and Integrity,” Kibor urged the Class of 2026 to embrace lifelong learning and use their skills to solve problems.
“I encourage you to become innovators who create opportunities, solve problems and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of ethical leadership, urging the graduates to match professional competence with integrity.
“Above all, guard your integrity. Lasting transformation is built on honesty, accountability, humility and service,” Kibor added.
The graduation ceremony placed innovation, employability, technical skills, integrity and civic responsibility at the centre of the message to graduates as they transition from university into a rapidly changing world of work. The leaders urged the Class of 2026 to turn their education into practical solutions, businesses and opportunities that can contribute to community empowerment and national transformation.