Margaret Kenyatta urges Kenya’s youth to embrace excellence, impact lives, and lead with purpose.
NAIROBI – Standing before rows of proud families and robed graduates beneath the crisp Nairobi skies, former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta delivered a rousing message to Kenya’s next generation of leaders: Let your talents change the world.
Speaking at Brookhouse School’s 17th graduation ceremony held at the Karen campus, Mrs Kenyatta encouraged the 170-strong Class of 2025 to lead with heart, serve with purpose, and strive for impact beyond personal gain.
“You have learned to harness your talents not just for personal success, but to build a better world,” she told the graduates. “The world is in desperate need of leaders who will use their gifts to transform lives.”
Mrs Kenyatta, who served as Kenya’s First Lady from 2013 to 2022, was welcomed warmly by faculty, students and parents alike. Known for championing maternal health and youth empowerment, she struck a personal tone in her address equal parts celebration and call to action.
She lauded the class’s resilience and drive, noting that over 40% of the graduates had earned scholarships to prestigious universities across the globe a testament, she said, to their dedication and the school’s academic rigour.
“Your success is not just a result of books and exams,” she said, “but of discipline, courage, and compassion. These are the virtues the world needs now more than ever.”
A Class Poised for Purpose
The Brookhouse Class of 2025 exits the school’s halls at a time of global uncertainty from climate change to political unrest but also at a moment brimming with opportunity. Mrs Kenyatta’s message was clear: this generation must rise to meet the challenge.
Brookhouse Executive Principal John O’Connor echoed that sentiment. “Our graduates are walking into a complex world,” he said. “But they’ve been equipped not just with academic knowledge, but with the character to lead, to question, and to act.”
Several students were recognised for exceptional achievement in the arts, sciences, and community service. Among them was Leila Mwangi, awarded a full scholarship to a top European university.
“It feels like the world is finally opening up for us,” Leila said. “Mrs Kenyatta reminded us that success means little if we’re not using it to uplift others.”
A Timely Message in a Divided World
Margaret Kenyatta’s words struck a chord not only with students but with parents and educators in attendance. Her speech came at a time when Kenya’s youth face growing concerns over job scarcity, rising inequality and social pressure.
But the former First Lady a figure respected across political lines focused not on fear, but on hope.
“Each of you carries the power to be a light in your community, your country, and the world,” she said. “It’s not enough to dream. You must also do.”
The event closed with a stirring rendition of the national anthem, followed by students tossing their caps into the air a symbol of both ending and beginning.
In her final words, Mrs Kenyatta left graduates with a challenge: “Let your life’s work be measured not by titles or wealth, but by the lives you touch and the world you help shape.”
For the Class of 2025, the path ahead is uncertain. But as they step forward, they carry with them a clear charge to lead not just with knowledge, but with purpose.
