On Friday, September 22, 2023, the Faculty of Business and Management at the University of Nairobi celebrated a momentous occasion: the graduation of its 532 students. This diverse and accomplished group represented a wide range of academic disciplines and backgrounds, and their achievements were a testament to the faculty's commitment to excellence in education. Among the graduates were 19 Ph.D. recipients in Business Administration, 3 Ph.D. recipients in Project Planning and Management, 133 Master's degree recipients, 214 Bachelor's degree recipients, and 160 Diploma recipients. Their success was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and it was an honor to celebrate their accomplishments with them and their families.

Their names were presented during the ceremony by the Dean, Prof. James Njihia. Each graduand's name was called and recognized for their academic achievements and contributions to the university community.

This unique graduation ceremony marked a significant moment in the history of the University of Nairobi. It was both the final graduation ceremony presided over by the 5th Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi,  Dr. Rattansi, in her role, conferred degrees and diplomas with great enthusiasm and dedication. She capped the achievements of 80 PhD graduands, conferred 524 master’s degrees, 3,132 bachelor’s degrees, 1 Fellowship Award, 35 Post Graduate Diplomas, and 211 Diplomas. Additionally, this Graduation Ceremony held a special place as the inaugural convocation for 50 pioneer students at the Koitalel Arap Samoei Campus, a constituent college of the University of Nairobi.

During her address at the 69th Graduation Ceremony, Dr. Rattansi reflected on her role, stating, "I stand before you today, to discharge a sacred and indivisible duty…one generously conferred to me by statutes. I stand here to celebrate with you and to confer degrees and grant diplomas, certificates, and other awards of and in the name of the University of Nairobi. It is a duty I have discharged, without fail, since I was appointed Chancellor. I am therefore most pleased to be at the service of today’s graduating cohort to whom I am morally indebted on such a day."

Dr. Rattansi also shared five key lessons from her journey with the audience, quoting, "The path of duty is the way to glory. We must remain 'woke' and guard against Icarus Complex, humility, adversity come to all men, how you react is what matters, and finally advisors; never underestimate the value of surrounding yourself with a village of good advisors. Asking for advice is an act of humility and verily, you are as good as the quality of advice you receive."

The Chief Guest, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, representing Cabinet Secretary Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, applauded Dr. Vijoo Rattansi's efforts during her ten-year tenure as Chancellor and commended the University for returning to physical graduations after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasized the importance of a global perspective in today's world and stated, "Think local, act global."

Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, Chair of Council, acknowledged the significance of the transition from student life to civic responsibilities for the graduands. He encouraged them to use the knowledge and skills acquired at the University of Nairobi to contribute to society and pledged the council's support in overcoming challenges.

In his speech, Prof. Stephen Kiama, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, praised Dr. Rattansi for her philanthropic contributions to the university, including book donations and scholarships. He also celebrated the return to physical graduations, a cherished tradition. Prof. Kiama remarked, "Today's graduation is a special one because it marks a return to the physical graduation, which is a cherished tradition by our students, parents and sponsors, and all the esteemed stakeholders of this University. Since the year 2020, the University, like many other institutions, was forced to adopt online activities as a safeguard against the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to celebrating our graduating class today, preparations are in top gear to welcome approximately 11,000 new students to the University of Nairobi from the 25th of September 2023."

The Faculty of Business and Management Science is extremely proud of the 532 graduates and we wish them the best in their future endeavors.