Head of Public Service Felix Koskei added another academic milestone on Friday after graduating with a Master of Science in Zoology (Agricultural Entomology) during the University of Nairobi’s 73rd graduation ceremony.
Koskei, who previously earned a Bachelor of Science in 1990 and an MBA in 2004 from the same university, described his latest degree as a “worthy choice” and a testament to lifelong learning.
He credited discipline, persistence, and the unwavering support of family, friends, and colleagues for making it possible to balance public service with academic pursuit.
“Balancing the demands of public service with academic pursuit has required discipline and persistence, complemented by the support of family, friends, and colleagues,” Koskei said, quoting Nelson Mandela’s words that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” He also revealed plans to pursue a PhD, “by God’s grace.”
The milestone came as the university conferred 3,836 degrees and diplomas in total. This included 85 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, one fellowship, 461 master’s, 3,029 bachelor’s, 23 postgraduate diplomas, and 63 diplomas, among them 304 graduands from Koitaleel Samoei University College.
UoN Vice Chancellor Prof. Hutchinson Jesang congratulated the Class of 2025 for their resilience and determination, saying each graduate’s story was a testament to growth and triumph over challenges. “Your presence here today is indeed a testament to resilience, growth, and triumph among challenges that possibly seemed insurmountable at the time,” he said.
Chancellor Prof. Patrick Verkooijen challenged the graduates to merge academic knowledge with practical innovation, stressing that “the future belongs to those who connect academia with enterprise.” He noted that innovation today is not only about ideas but also about jobs, livelihoods, and dignity.
Prof. Verkooijen also praised student-led innovations in food security, transport, and post-harvest loss reduction as examples of academia’s direct contribution to solving societal challenges.
