This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
On May 8, 2020, Dedan Kimathi University became the first higher education institution in the country to host a virtual graduation ceremony, in compliance with government directives to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Professor Ndirangu Kioni, the vice chancellor, explained in his opening speech that the institution opted for a virtual ceremony to adhere to the government's guidelines. 'This is a virtual graduation and members of the convocation are connected virtually to our main venue here in the board room in the main campus and they will be able to follow the proceedings throughout the program,' he said.
The university produced 1600 graduates in degree, diploma, and certificate courses, with 30 graduating with a master's degree and 7 PhD degrees. Notably, 66% of the degree graduates had science-related courses, while 33.6% were from business and tourism programs.
Although the ceremony was virtual, the students will receive their certificates in two weeks, allowing them to 'move on with their lives and seek jobs,' as Professor Kioni put it. This comes as Kenya releases about 15,000 to 30,000 graduates yearly, despite the rising rate of unemployment.
