Catholic University Of Eastern Africa Graduation 2015, The Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury, Hon. Henry Rotich congratulated CUEA for being among the leading institutions in the region with a large number of PhD holders in the teaching and research fraternity.
Hon. Rotich was the chief guest at the 30th CUEA graduation where he noted that the university has been adding to the number of PhD graduands in the country in the past years.
While congratulating them for the achievement, he challenged the graduands to uphold the ethical values acquired at CUEA and also be good ambassadors of ‘this reputable institution’. He also urged the young people to take advantage of opportunities availed by the government and other partners.
Rotich noted that universities have a critical role to play in the economy and urged them to constantly review their training programs to meet the dynamic demands in the labour market. Further he urged universities to start courses that can equip students with entrepreneurial skills so that they can set up their own businesses and create employment opportunities.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Monsignor Pius Rutechura lauded the good working relationship that the university has had with the Kenyan government noting that the University has been receiving good support.
The Vice-Chancellor said that the university was implementing a strategic physical expansion plan, including establishing new campuses. An additional modern tution block is nearing completion in Gaba and in Kisumu the university is seeking to acquire a larger facility to accommodate more students and also provide adequate room for student activities.
He however assured that the university was not just after money. ‘’I wish to assure parents and the Commission for University Education that our expansion plan is strategic and well thought-out to ensure quality is maintained. CUEA will not expand merely to attract more students or to make more money. We will do so only after a careful analysis. Quality will not be compromised for the sake of expansion or numbers”, the VC assured.
The VC also highlighted the fact that the university was way ahead in promoting regional integration through the Institute of Regional Integration and Development (IRID). “Regional integration holds the key to the economic prosperity and socio-political progress of our African nations,” the VC noted. The institute is currently offering a Masters degree in Regional Integration (approved by the Commission for University Education)
Monsignor Rutechura also lauded the CUEA Monks Rugby team for their achievements. They are currently playing in the Rugby Premier league, Kenya Cup.
The new Chancellor for the University, Most Rev. Berhaneyesus Souraphiel led the graduation. 1,954 students were awarded with diplomas and degrees in various disciplines.