Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on a new generation of graduates to embrace ethical leadership, emphasising integrity, justice, and peace.

He made the remarks during the 2024/2025 Kenyatta Trust Graduation Dinner held in Nairobi on Friday evening, which celebrated 41 scholars who completed their undergraduate and tertiary studies across various institutions.

“This is the charge I lay before you tonight: go out into the world with humility and lead. Lead with integrity. Lead with a commitment to justice; lead always with peace in your hearts,” Uhuru told the graduating scholars.

Accompanied by former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, the former Head of State underscored the importance of courage in leadership, saying under the evening’s theme, “From Learners to Leaders”, that graduates should “always do right even when the right thing isn’t popular.”

Vision of national unity

Established in 2010, the Kenyatta Trust has empowered bright and deserving young Kenyans with educational opportunities while cultivating leaders grounded in service, compassion, and unity.

Kenyatta emphasised that the trust seeks to foster a national rather than tribal identity.

“We wanted to nurture individuals who do not identify with a tribe or a region, but as part of a great nation. A people with shared destiny, because the building of a great nation begins with the ability to see one another as equals in purpose and hope,” he said.

Kenyatta also commended the graduates for their resilience and reminded them of their responsibility to uphold unity and compassion in nation-building.

“You have learnt that the bonds that sustain our nation are woven from mutual tolerance and respect,” he said. “Keep in mind your sacred duty that we are indeed our brother’s keeper.”

Holistic approach to empowerment

Director Nyokabi Kenyatta highlighted the organisation’s holistic approach, noting, “At Kenyatta Trust, we believe that true transformation happens when it touches every aspect of a person’s life: their mind, heart, family, community, and their sense of service.”

Director Kirigo Ndegwa added that over 68% of Kenyatta Trust graduates are now gainfully employed. “It’s not by chance,” she said. “Kenyatta Trust scholars are built differently; they are resilient, responsible, and truly remarkable.”

The Trust’s programmes, including Janjaruka camps, the Inuka economic empowerment initiative, and the Tuungane mentorship programme, reinforce this approach.

The graduation ceremony was attended by the scholars’ parents, guardians, and family members and marked another milestone in the Trust’s mission of transforming learners into leaders prepared to serve Kenya’s future with humility and heart.