This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
On a Friday in 2020, Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology conducted a virtual graduation ceremony, conferring degrees and diplomas to 1,600 students. The event marked a significant shift from previous years, where graduands and their parents would gather in the university's graduation square.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university council members decided to hold the event in the university's boardroom, adhering to social distancing guidelines. University Senate members and the Dean of faculties were present, maintaining a safe distance from each other.
The graduates and their families followed the proceedings live on Facebook and YouTube, allowing them to participate in the event from the comfort of their own homes. The university offers technology-based courses, including software engineering.
Speaking during the ceremony, Acting Chancellor Dr. Jane Nyakango emphasized the institution's commitment to fighting the pandemic. She highlighted the development of hand sanitizers, reusable masks, and hazmat suits, as well as the creation of a ventilator to save lives.
"We as an institution are in the forefront in providing solutions to the pandemic, we have developed hand sanitizers, reusable masks, hazmat suits and we are currently developing a ventilator to save patient's lives," Dr. Nyakango said.
She expressed confidence in the graduates' ability to offer relevant skills to the job market, urging them to be ambassadors of the university.
"The world out there is competitive and as a university we give you the best skills be our ambassadors," Dr. Nyakango said.
Graduands interviewed praised the university's decision to proceed with the graduation event, despite the stringent social distancing regulations that banned public gatherings.
