LATE FORMER PRESIDENT MWAI KIBAKI WAS AWARDED A HONORARY DOCTORATE OF BY MAKERERE UNIVERSITY ON JANUARY, 24 2012.
By Mwebaze Tindi
On January 24, 2012, Makerere University concluded the 62nd Graduation with the Award of a Honorary Doctorate of Laws to President Kibaki of Kenya in recognition of his distinguished and outstanding contribution to public service at the national, regional and international levels - especially in the areas of Academic Excellence, Political, Social and Economic reforms. The highly colourful ceremony was attended by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Ministers, diplomats, Makerere University staff and students.
Described as one of Africa’s illustrious sons and an eminent Statesman, President Mwai Kibaki, was applauded for his exemplary leadership. Part of the citation revealed that H.E. Dr. Emilio Stanley Mwai Kibaki worked as a bus conductor for the now defunct Othaya Bus Service Company during his school days.
Raised in a humble family, President Kibaki worked hard in School and earned a scholarship to join the then Makerere College (now Makerere University) – where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics, History and Political Science. He graduated in 1955 with a First Class Bachelor of Arts degree. President Kibaki also served as Vice Chairman of the Makerere Students Guild (1954-1955). In 1955, he enrolled at the London School of Economics for a Bachelor of Science in Public Finance, and graduated with distinction in 1958. He then served his alma mater-Makerere University as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Economics from 1958 to 1960. Joining Makerere was a turning point for the fresh Doctor as acknowledged in his acceptance speech:
“This recognition is a great honour to me, my family and Country. I shall cherish it for the rest of my life. Being here has triggered a great sense of nostalgia for the many years I studied and lectured at this great institution. Many of my leadership skills were developed and nurtured here,’’ he stressed. “I sincerely thank Makerere University for the honour bestowed upon me. I look forward to working closely with you,’’ he added.
President Kibaki called upon the young generation to put their countries’ interest before self, adding that the current challenges facing Africa can be solved through a combination of homegrown and borrowed traditions. He applauded Makerere University for making the electric car, the KIIRA EV and called for mass production of such innovations.
President Yoweri Museveni revealed that he has secured approval for funding towards Makerere University, especially in light of the Presidential Initiative that kick started a number of Projects in the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology - CEDAT; the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering; and the College of Veterinary medicine, Animal Resource and Bio Security, CoVAB.
“I applaud the young men and their professors for putting the little money we gave them to proper use. The NRM caucus has resolved to support me now. They will get for you the money you wanted,’’ he emphasized to the cheering crowd.
Before President Kibaki, Makerere University has awarded honorary doctorates of Laws to other Heads of State including H.E Benjamin Mkapa, H.E. Rashid Mfaume Kawawa, and H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba said Makerere University was taking the recognitions a step further.
“Makerere University is going a step further to recognise-in-perpetuity through erecting buildings in the name of Makerere University and in the names of eminent statesmen and stateswomen that shall serve as centres of academic excellence for the current and future generations. For those already honoured we shall wait for their consent before we begin the fundraising drive to raise funds to put up buildings in their names. These projects are very feasible in the sense that for each project a contribution of an average of US$1,000 per person from 10,000 persons would raise US$10 million. For President Kibaki, who is being honoured today, we would like to request you to accept to be the Chairperson of Makerere University Mwai Kibaki endowment fund that shall raise funds that shall be used among others to put up a building at Makerere University that shall be named after you,’’ he explained.
The two Excellencies also officially launched the Collegiate system at Makerere University. To symbolize this launch, they unveiled a beautiful relief sculpture designed by Assoc. Prof. George Kyeyune from the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology – CEDAT.
“This sculpture is a presentation of Makerere’s transition into a Collegiate system. Its texture is similar to a rock to signify Makerere as a strong giant. It also shows that Makerere is striving for better,’’ explained Assoc. Prof. Kyeyune.
Inscribed on this sculpture are the names of the nine constituent Makerere University Colleges listed in alphabetical order. The sculpture will be put in the main building for all to see.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LCPU-4O2Ezc
CONDOLENCES TO KENYA AND AFRICA AT LARGE BY JOYCE BAKWA COUNSELING PROGRAM.
Kenya's Former President Mwai Kibaki dies
Mwai Kibaki, one of the biggest names in Kenyan politics and the nation's third president, has died, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced. He was 90.
His political career spanned decades, including serving as vice president to Daniel arap Moi, the man he replaced as president of the East African nation in 2002.
Kibaki, an economist and passionate golf player, left behind a complicated legacy when he stepped down after his second presidential term ended in 2013. He not only oversaw a new constitution that brought hope for change, he led Kenya during a period of robust economic growth and major infrastructure developments.
But he was also at the helm during the most violent election in the country's history, when more than 1,200 people died in bloody ethnic battles after disputed 2007 polls.
Kibaki's death was confirmed in a statement issued by Kenyatta, who said the country would observe a period of national mourning from Friday until his burial.
Kenyatta paid tribute to Kibaki as "the gentleman of Kenyan politics" and recalled "his dignity, his diligence, candor, and concern for the well-being of all Kenyans."
"Kibaki was a quintessential patriot whose legacy of civic responsibility will continue to inspire generations of Kenyans long into our future," Kenyatta said.
PROGRAM TO THE BURIAL OF LATE PRESIDENT MWAI KIBAKI.
CS Fred Matiang’i announces the state funeral service of the late former President Mwai Kibaki on Friday, 29th April 2022 at Nyayo Stadium; burial to be held on Saturday, 30th April 2022 in Othaya, Nyeri
Body to lie in state for 3 days at the Kenya Nation Assembly
The National State Funeral Organizing Committee together with the family of former President Mwai Kibaki has concluded preliminary arrangements for the State Funeral.
Mzee's requiem mass will be held on Friday 29 April 2022 at Nyayo Stadium before the burial on 30 April.
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