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Uhuru implores graduates to spearhead Africa’s change in health sector

Uhuru implores graduates to spearhead Africa’s change in health sector
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta at a past occasion. PHOTO/@4thPresidentKE/X

The former President Uhuru Kenyatta has implored graduates at Amref International University (AMIU) to take bold steps in transforming Africa’s health sector.

In a speech delivered by former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta during the university’s 6th graduation ceremony, Uhuru reminded the graduates that they are the hope of Africa, and the continent’s future in health rests in their hands.

“Today marks the beginning of a lifetime of work. You are the hope of Africa, and in essence, Africa’s health future is in your hands from today onward,” Uhuru stated.

Uhuru added that the canvas was blank, waiting for their master strokes to transform the healthcare systems and empower Africa to stand on its own. He emphasised that the continent needed their voice, vision, and brilliance.

Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta representing retired President Uhuru Kenyatta at Amref International University (AMIU) graduation ceremony on Friday, July 11, 2025. PHOTO/@4thPresidentKE/X
Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta representing retired President Uhuru Kenyatta at Amref International University (AMIU) graduation ceremony on Friday, July 11, 2025. PHOTO/@4thPresidentKE/X

COVID-19 experience

Uhuru reflected on some of the hard lessons the nation picked up at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, telling the graduates that it helped expose Africa’s vulnerabilities and its dependence on foreign aid.

“We had to re-strategise as a country and as a continent about the importance of having our own research laboratories, vaccine innovation, and manufacturing facilities. I believe if we had built our own capacity within our continent, we would not have been left at the mercy of the Western world,” he remarked.

Margaret Kenyatta was accompanied by Uhuru’s sister, Nyokabi Kenyatta.

The graduation ceremony coincided with the official opening of AMIU’s prestigious Northlands Campus, a major milestone in the university’s mission to grow its capacity and expand its academic reach.

Part of the statement shared by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO/screengrab by K24 Digital/@4thPresidentKE/X
Part of the statement shared by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO/screengrab by K24 Digital/@4thPresidentKE/X

The university currently hosts 3,872 students from over 20 African countries, offering 29 health-focused programs that reflect its growing regional influence.

The former president acknowledged that it was a significant milestone in the university’s growth trajectory and noted that it would greatly enhance its capacity, provide more conducive learning environments, and create space for future infrastructure and academic expansion.

AMIU Chancellor Muthoni Kuria reminded the graduates of the expectations ahead: “You leave here today not only with a degree but with a duty. The world you enter is hungry for changemakers who can marry innovation with compassion, amplify community voices in boardrooms, and uphold African excellence on international platforms. Let your next steps be bold,” she emphasised.

Also present at the colourful ceremony were Henk Jan Bakker, Dutch Ambassador in Nairobi, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa and Prof. Joachim Osur, Vice Chancellor of AMIU, among other faculty and dignitaries.

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