Mount Kenya University (MKU) has announced a Ksh80 million waiver on outstanding fees arrears for over 4,000 students.
MKU founder and Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu said the waiver applies to all former students who have not collected their graduation certificates over accumulated storage fees, library arrears and late return of graduation gowns.
“The issue worsened during the Covid-19 period when the economic situation of the country was not favourable to many. I have instructed the council and the vice chancellor to waive the entire Sh 80 million to enable our former students to pick their academic credentials to facilitate them unlocking the infinite possibilities,” said Gicharu.
Speaking in Thika today during the MKU’s 23rd graduation ceremony where 6,108 graduands were conferred with PHDs, Masters, Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates, the chairman stated the move would enable the graduates to pursue their life goals including pursuing jobs overseas with ease.
He at the same time urged graduates to internationalize their job market mentality by endeavouring to pursue the unexploited potential in foreign countries.
“It is time for our graduates to train their focus even on the international scene when seeking jobs,” he said.
The Chairman at the same time noted with concern that most students and youths across the country developed mental health issues during the Covid-19 pandemic period adding that even though the scourge is no longer a threat, it left scars in the community.
He further took issue with the manner in which mental health is being addressed in the country saying that it is being given less attention compared to other diseases.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula who was the chief guest at the ceremony urged universities in the country to embrace environmental studies so as to help the country address climate change.
“It is time for all of us to ensure we conserve our environment by planting trees. By joining champions such as President William Ruto who is the climate change ambassador in Africa, we all need to embark on tree plantations across villages especially those with dried-up streams that were once rivers during our times,” said Wetangula.
