From Learners to Leaders; Uhuru Kenyatta Urges Graduates to Lead with Integrity

NAIROBI: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on a new generation of graduates to become ethical and lead with integrity, emphasizing the pursuit of justice and peace. He spoke during the 2024/2025 Kenyatta Trust Graduation Dinner held in Nairobi on Friday evening.

“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,” Kenyatta told the graduating scholars.

The former Head of State and patron of the Trust, who was accompanied by former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, underscored the importance of courage in leadership. Speaking under the evening’s theme, “From Learners to Leaders,” Kenyatta urged the graduates to “Always do right even when the right thing isn’t popular,” he emphasized.

The Kenyatta Trust, established in 2010, has been at the forefront of empowering bright and deserving young Kenyans with educational opportunities to cultivate a future and leaders grounded in service, compassion, and unity. Kenyatta explained that the trust’s goal was 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,” Uhuru said.

The event celebrated 41 graduates who successfully completed their undergraduate and tertiary studies across different institutions. Kenyatta commended them for their resilience and reminded them of their duty 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.”

Also speaking at the event, Director Nyokabi Kenyatta reiterated the organization’s holistic approach to empowerment. “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,” she said.

Kirigo Ndegwa, also a Director of the Trust lauded the scholars’ achievements, noting 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.”

This holistic approach is supported by the trust’s additional programs, which include Janjaruka camps, the Inuka economic empowerment program, and the Tuungane mentorship program.

The evening was filled with emotion, reflection, and celebration, marking another milestone in the Trust’s journey of transforming learners into leaders, a generation equipped to serve and shape Kenya’s future with humility and heart. The graduation was attended by the scholars’ parents, guardians, and family members.