UoN graduates urged to rethink careers as automation reshapes jobs

The message was delivered on Friday during the University of Nairobi’s 75th graduation ceremony, where government and university leaders challenged the Class of 2026 to pursue opportunities beyond conventional employment and contribute to solving the country’s economic and social challenges.

UoN Chancellor Prof. Verkooijen drew inspiration from Cape Verde’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging graduates to recognise the possibilities that can emerge from seemingly unlikely opportunities.

“And their fans turned that number into a message. One percent chance, ninety-nine percent faith. And one of the players put it even better: 'We show the world how big one percent can be.' So, graduates, this is my simple message to you today: How big is your one percent?” Prof. Verkooijen posed.

He challenged the graduates to play an active role in shaping Kenya’s future rather than simply observing the country’s transformation.

“This is not really about football; it is about refusing to let others calculate and dictate your future. It is also a story about Kenya... We should not simply observe Kenya's transformation. We must help drive it.”

Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Julius Migos Ogamba similarly urged graduates to look beyond the traditional pursuit of white-collar jobs and instead use their skills to create opportunities, solve problems and support economic growth.

“Kenya does not need graduates who are simply looking for jobs. We need graduates who can also create opportunities, solve problems, innovate, and contribute to the transformation of our economy and society,” CS Ogamba told the congregation.

He cautioned graduates against using their first salary as the sole measure of success, urging them to consider the wider impact of their work.

“Do not measure success only by the size of your first salary. Measure it also by the problems you solve, the lives you touch, the enterprises you build, the communities you strengthen, and the knowledge you contribute.”

Ogamba also highlighted the Tertiary Placement and Funding Bill, which is undergoing public participation and seeks to establish a funding framework covering students in universities, TVET institutions, teacher training colleges and KMTC.

The ceremony was the first graduation congregation presided over by UoN Vice Chancellor Prof. Eng. Ayub Gitau, who outlined efforts to strengthen research commercialisation and partnerships among academia, government, business and innovators.

Gitau said the university was expanding its role beyond teaching and research by focusing on partnerships in areas such as science and artificial intelligence, including collaborations between Kenya and France.

“The University of Nairobi is increasingly playing a role that extends beyond the traditional boundaries of academia,” Prof. Gitau noted. “We are creating a platform where ideas are tested against some of Africa's most pressing challenges and where government, business, academia, innovators, and young people can engage around the choices that will shape the continent.”

UoN Council Chairperson Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha urged university staff to maintain high standards regardless of their roles, saying every responsibility contributed to the institution’s overall performance.

“Whatever office you hold, hold it to the best of your ability. If you are called to teach, teach with excellence. If you are called to heal, heal with compassion. And if you are called to clean, clean with pride,” Prof. Chacha urged. “This university is only as strong as the sum of every duty that has been faithfully carried out.”

More than 3,000 students were conferred with degrees and diplomas during the ceremony.