THARAKA UNIVERSITY — 4th Graduation Magazine

Theme: Shaping a Sustainable World through Technology & Environmental Transformation

Wednesday, 26 November 2025

Editorial Note

This year’s Tharaka University graduation theme, “Shaping a Sustainable World through Technology and Environmental Transformation,” captures the spirit of progress that continues to define our institution...

It reflects our belief that proper education is about acquiring knowledge and using it to transform lives and protect the environment. Our dedication to environmental transformation has been evident through tree planting, cleanup activities, and active participation in national ecological initiatives. Such efforts remind us that sustainability is a daily responsibility and a legacy we must nurture for generations to come. Our graduands, as you step into the next chapter of your journey, may you use your knowledge and creativity to drive solutions that build a more sustainable Kenya and a better world. Let technology become a tool for equity, innovation, and empowerment. Let environmental transformation begin with your choices: how you work, live, and serve your communities. Over the past year, Tharaka University has made remarkable strides in advancing technology and sustainability. We have strengthened digital infrastructure, expanded e-learning platforms, and enhanced career-linkage systems to prepare our graduates for an increasingly technological world. These initiatives affirm our commitment to producing innovative thinkers equipped to address real-world challenges. The world needs graduates who not only dream of change but also act to make it real. You have been equipped, shaped, and inspired within an institution that believes in the transformative power of education. As you leave the gates of Tharaka University, carry with you our core values: sustainability, excellence, and integrity. Shape the future with courage and conviction, and may your achievements continue to illuminate the path toward a sustainable and transformed world. Congratulations, Class of 2025! Editorial Team 1. Prof. Veronica Nyaga - Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Research & Student Affairs 1. Prof. Mary Karuri -Dean, Faculty of Humanities& Social Sciences 2. Dr. Daniel Mwangi- Registrar, Academic Affairs 3. Ms. Tsaza Munga - Content Developer 4. Mr. Denis K. Mugweru -Photographer 5. Mr. Joseph Kamenju -Photographer 6. Mr. Eliud Kipruto -Content Developer 7. Mr. Rotich ..

Fundamental Statements

Tharaka University’s core fundamental statements include Motto, Vision, Mission, Philosophy, and Core Values...

Motto: Education for Freedom/Elimu ni Uhuru

Vision: A Centre of excellence in teaching, research, innovation and outreach for societal transformation.

4th Graduation

Click here to view Graduation Booklet 2025

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Ministry of Education

Hon. Julius Ogamba, LLB, LLM, EBS Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education

Education remains the most powerful tool for shaping a just, sustainable, and prosperous nation. As Kenya advances towards Vision 2030 and the Africa Agenda 2063, institutions of higher learning play a central role in developing citizens who are innovative, responsible, and conscious of their environment....

The Ministry of Education celebrates Tharaka University for embracing the theme Shaping a Sustainable World through Technology and Environmental Transformation. This theme captures the spirit of the government’s commitment to aligning education with sustainable development, digital innovation, and environmental stewardship. In this season of transformation, we have strengthened our support for universities through the new student-centred funding model, which ensures that higher education is both accessible and affordable. We are also championing research and innovation that respond to Kenya’s socio-economic realities, from climate resilience to the digital economy, so that every graduate can contribute meaningfully to national and global progress. To the graduating class, I commend your resilience and achievement. May you use your education not only to seek personal success but also to pioneer solutions that make Kenya and the world more sustainable. Remember, the future belongs to innovators who balance technology with humanity and progress with care for creation. Congratulations to the Class of 2025, and to Tharaka University for its dedication to holistic education that transforms lives and societies.

PS State Department for Higher Education and Research -message

Dr. Beatrice Inyang’ala, PhD Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research Ministry of Education

The State Department for Higher Education and Research recognizes that universities are at the heart of Kenya’s transformation. They nurture the ideas, innovations, and leadership that drive our nation’s social and economic development. Tharaka University’s graduation theme, Shaping a Sustainable World through Technology and Environmental Transformation, beautifully mirrors the government’s agenda to make higher education more inclusive, affordable, and responsive to emerging global challenges. ..

Through our ongoing reforms, including the student-centred funding model and the promotion of research in green technologies, we are ensuring that universities remain engines of innovation and sustainability. We applaud Tharaka University for its continued efforts to integrate environmental consciousness and technological advancement in its teaching, research, and community engagement. Such initiatives prepare graduates to lead in sectors critical to Kenya’s future: agriculture, energy, water management, and digital transformation. To our graduands, your achievement is a pointer to hard work and purpose. Step into the world as ambassadors of integrity, sustainability, and excellence. Use your knowledge to innovate, preserve our planet, and create opportunities that uplift communities. The State Department remains committed to partnering with universities like Tharaka to build a resilient higher education ecosystem that supports national development and global competitiveness. Congratulations to the graduating class and to Tharaka University for its continued contribution to Kenya’s education and research excellence.

Chancellor’s Message

Professor Emeritus Ratemo W. Michieka EBS, FKNAS

It brings me great joy to join the Tharaka University community in celebrating this significant occasion. Today, we recognize the accomplishments of our graduates and the dedication of their families, lecturers, and mentors who have supported them throughout their journey of learning and growth. To our graduates—congratulations on reaching this important milestone...

As you leave the gates of Tharaka University, remember that your education is not just an end but a foundation for making a lasting impact. The world you are entering requires more than just academic knowledge; it demands integrity, diligence, and resilience. Let these values guide every decision you make. Stand firm in truth, work hard even when nobody is watching, and overcome challenges with determination and grace. You are now ambassadors of Tharaka University’s values of sustainability, excellence, and integrity. Wherever life takes you, let your actions and contributions reflect the quality of education and character developed here. Be agents of positive change; innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who use knowledge not only to succeed for yourselves but also to uplift others and strengthen our nation. Higher education plays a crucial role in national development. It is through research, innovation, and the cultivation of ethical leadership that institutions like Tharaka University help build a sustainable and prosperous society. I commend the university’s management, staff, and students for their ongoing dedication to excellence and for positioning the institution as a center of transformation in the region. As Chancellor, I extend The Chancellor’s Challenge to the graduating class: Go forth and make a difference. Whether you serve in government, business, academia, or community life, be the embodiment of hope, integrity, and purpose. Let your work reflect the knowledge and values you have gained here. Once again, congratulations to the Class of 2025. May you step out confidently, make an impact with wisdom, and always stay proud members of the Tharaka University family.

Tharaka University Staff Win SHINE Project Grant Worth Over Ksh. 7.19 Million

Tharaka University Staff Win SHINE Project Grant Worth Over Ksh. 7.19 Million

Tharaka University continues to shine on the regional and international stage following the recent win of The SHINE Project Grant, valued at Ksh. 7,192,538. This prestigious grant marks a major milestone in the University’s growing profile as a center of excellence in higher education innovation, internationalization, and academic leadership.....

The SHINE Project (Strengthening Higher Education for Internationalization in East Africa) is a transformative initiative implemented by a consortium of nine partner organizations, including eight universities two each from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Europe alongside The African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE), Kenya. The project seeks to enhance governance, leadership, management, and academic capacities of East African higher education institutions by integrating international dimensions into their education, research, and service missions. Through this effort, the project aims to improve the quality, relevance, and global competitiveness of higher education across the region. The SHINE Project is designed to empower universities in East Africa to develop and implement context-sensitive, equitable, and inclusive internationalization strategies. It focuses on building institutional structures and strengthening staff capacity to ensure sustainable integration of internationalization in university operations. Each participating institution will develop, validate, and implement a new internationalization strategy and establish an internationalization unit to guide and coordinate the process. The project will also train at least 88 staff members to coordinate and facilitate internationalization initiatives, while an additional 550 academic and administrative staff will be equipped to contribute to internationalization at various levels within their institutions. In addition, the project will facilitate the participation of 180 students in East Africa–EU virtual exchanges on global citizenship, fostering intercultural learning and global awareness. To support these outcomes, the SHINE Project will develop a customized, modular training program tailored to the specific skills gaps and learning needs of East African higher education institutions. Through the annual implementation of the SHINE staff development program, the project aims to ensure that all academic and administrative staff are adequately prepared for global engagement. At the heart of this success are three distinguished Tharaka University staff members whose vision, expertise, and leadership secured the grant for the institution. Ms. Maureen M. Ndagara, who serves as the Manager (WP1–WP7), Economics Lecturer, Director of Career Services and Innovations, brings extensive experience in institutional development, innovation, and community outreach. Her leadership in project coordination and strategic planning has been central to Tharaka University’s contribution to the SHINE Project. Mr. Collins Sitienei, a Researcher (WP2–WP6) and Director of Linkages and Partnerships, holds an MBA and is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Finance. He brings a wealth of expertise in global partnerships and research on the internationalization of higher education. His dynamic approach to building collaborative linkages continues to strengthen Tharaka University’s global footprint and research capacity. Dr. Joseph M. Kirugua, who serves as Researcher and Administrator (WP1, 3, 4, 6) and Dean of the Faculty of Education, holds a PhD in Educational Foundations and boasts over 25 years of experience as a curriculum developer and senior KNEC examiner. His insights in educational leadership and international collaboration have played a pivotal role in shaping the project’s success and ensuring its alignment with the University’s broader academic mission. Speaking about the grant, Tharaka University’s leadership lauded the team for their outstanding achievement, terming it a reflection of the institution’s growing research capacity, global outlook, and dedication to transformative education. Through initiatives like SHINE, Tharaka University reaffirms its strategic goal of positioning itself as a globally connected institution that fosters innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence beyond borders. This recognition not only celebrates the University’s research excellence but also sets the stage for broader partnerships, capacity building, and the creation of impactful opportunities for staff and students alike. It is a clear testament to the University’s commitment to excellence and its readiness to contribute to global academic collaboration.