Graduates from Murang’a University of Technology (MUT) have been challenged to take advantage of the Hustlers’ fund that is about to be launched to set up small businesses even as they begin the search for gainful employment.
In a speech delivered by State Department for Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Amb Simon Nabukwesi, the Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu urged the graduates to take advantage of the Hustler Fund that is soon to be launched by the government and use it to start their own small business even as they pursue employment opportunities in both the public and private sector.
He further challenged the graduates to utilise all other available resources at their disposal in order to become productive members of the society and help grow the country’s economy.
He tasked all universities to ensure their offered quality education so that they actively produce graduates who have the capacity to perform the tasks expected of them in the job market as well as enable the graduates to be self-reliant.
“What our country needs now are youths who can learn, adapt to change and influence others to do the same and who are able to think critically in order to solve existing problems and innovate,” he said.
The CS stated that as the government continues to improve the university fund, it is important for universities to develop strategies to raise funds through research and innovations.
On his part, Nabukwesi challenged graduates to find mentors in their specific fields and learn from them as they progress in their careers and he also urged them to be patient in their professional journeys and avoid the temptation to take shortcuts that may turn out to be costly mistakes.
Also present at MUT’s sixth graduation ceremony, Kiharu Member of Parliament, Ndindi Nyoro asked the students to find a way to distinguish themselves in the job market because academic papers alone could not give them a competitive edge.
He underscored the importance of students cultivating emotional intelligence which he termed a vital leadership skill in all fields of work
Nyoro also asked the students to develop reliable character that will help them progress in their fields of work saying that character is always one of the biggest considerations when it comes to promotions at the workplace.
The MP also tasked them to build skill specific competencies that would help them stand apart from the rest of the job seekers in the labour market adding that they have to earn their place at the workplace.
Nyoro challenged the graduates to consider going into manufacturing and production and become business creators and manufacturers where possible instead of relying only on finding employment.
A total of 870 graduates were conferred with various degrees and certificates during MUT’s sixth graduation ceremony among them Seven doctorates.
