KGS Graduands Conferred at 45th JKUAT Graduation Ceremony

By GIDEON KIRUI

The KEMRI Graduate School celebrated a significant academic milestone as 22 of its postgraduate students were conferred with doctoral and master’s degrees during the 45th Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and 13th Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) graduation ceremony held on 5th December 2025 at JKUAT’s main campus.

The event, filled with vibrant displays of accomplishment and pride, marked the culmination of years of rigorous training and groundbreaking research by the graduands. The conferment included seven PhD and 15 master’s degrees across critical health fields including epidemiology, public health, molecular medicine, medical virology and international health.

The graduates represented the School of Public Health and the School of Biomedical Sciences under the joint JKUAT–KEMRI academic collaboration.

Presiding Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Mathu Ndung’u, commended the graduates for demonstrating exceptional academic ability and resilience. “These graduands have been prepared to drive research and innovation that will contribute significantly to their communities and inspire positive change,” he said.

Prof. Ndung’u further emphasized the importance of institutional partnerships in strengthening scientific capacity and fostering regional innovation.

Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, in remarks delivered on his behalf by the Director of Education, Dr. David Watene, urged the graduates to apply their skills towards advancing Kenya’s socioeconomic development.

“The country eagerly awaits your transformative ideas as we strive together for a more prosperous Kenya,” he said and further noted that the Ministry of Education greatly appreciates the critical role of universities in propelling national development through the generation of home-grown solutions to pressing national challenges.

The Ag. Director, Research Capacity Building and Director of the KEMRI Graduate School, Dr. Martin Bundi, who led the School’s delegation at the ceremony, congratulated the graduands on successfully completing their postgraduate studies and expressed his optimism for a brighter future, filled with impactful contributions to research, science, and national development.

“Your journey exemplifies excellence, resilience, and commitment to advancing medical science. We trust that your research and innovations will transform healthcare, influence policy, and bring lasting benefits to communities in Kenya and the wider region,” remarked Dr. Bundi.

He further observed that the graduates’ accomplishments will further strengthen the impact of the longstanding JKUAT–KEMRI partnership. Graduates expressed gratitude to their supervisors and faculty members, acknowledging that humility, discipline, and a strong support network were instrumental in their success.

“I am profoundly grateful to the KEMRI staff for their support in helping me reach this milestone,” said Dr. Joyce Osebe Kenyanya, a newly conferred PhD graduate in Epidemiology. Doctoral graduates also encouraged their junior colleagues to pursue continuous learning, reminding them that the quest for knowledge is lifelong.

The 45th JKUAT–KEMRI joint conferment of doctorates and master’s degrees was as follows:

PhD Graduates

• Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology: Dr. Joyce Osebe Kenyanya, Dr. Titus Kibet Suge
• Doctor of Philosophy in International Health: Dr. Omambia Salim Matagi
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health: Dr. Kihara Eunice Njeri, Dr. Kenneth Mugambi Langakuo, Dr. Victor Otieno Mudhune, Dr. Janet Mbinya Masaku.

Master’s Graduates •

• Master of Science in Molecular Medicine: Mr. Naftaly Gachau Mureithi, Mr. Wafula Samuel Omari, Ms. Prisca Oboo Bwana, Ms. Gloria Kemunto, Mr. Fred Owuor Owino.
• Master of Science in Public Health: Ms. Mary Matsezi Keah–Otieno, Ms. Maru Lorna Chemutai, Ms. Mbogo Susan Muthoni, Ms. Gloria Chelangat Magut
• Master of Science in Medical Virology: Ms. Mercy Hokah Kibathi
• Master of Science in Epidemiology: Ms. Maluki Jacinta Mumbe, Ms. Jacinta Simalo Teeka, Ms. Maina Charity Muringo, Ms. Joyce Wali Mwakishalua, Ms. Rose Aluoch Ojuok

Additionally, Dr. Kalu Kitaba Fite, Deputy Director, Supply Chain Management graduated with a PhD in Supply Chain Management.

 KEMRI extends its warmest congratulations to the graduates and wishes them success as they continue contributing to advancements in health research and national development.