NAIROBI — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged the next generation of African health professionals to take charge of the continent’s future, declaring that Africa’s health destiny lies in their hands.
A speech delivered by former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta during the sixth graduation ceremony of Amref International University (AMIU), former head of state Uhuru Kenyatta urged the graduating class that their journey begins now and it matters.
“Today marks the beginning of a lifetime of work,” Kenyatta said in a speech read on his behalf. “You are the hope of Africa, and in essence, Africa’s health future is in your hands from today onward.”
The event was held at the newly unveiled Northlands Campus in Nairobi, a major step forward for the university as it expands its reach across the region. The modern facility now serves as AMIU’s main campus, supporting over 3,800 students from 20 African countries across 29 health-related programs.
In his message, the former President urged graduates to be bold and visionary, comparing their role in reshaping health systems to artists facing a blank canvas. “Africa needs your voice, your vision, and your brilliance,” he said.
He recalled the COVID-19 pandemic as a turning point that exposed Africa’s dependency on foreign health systems. “We had to rethink our position as a country and a continent,” he said. “If we had built our own capacity, we wouldn’t have been left at the mercy of the Western world.”
Kenyatta emphasized the need for African-led health research, vaccine production, and infrastructure to secure the continent’s future. “We must build and own the institutions that will protect and serve our people,” he added.
The Northlands Campus officially opened its doors during the graduation ceremony, marking a milestone in AMIU’s strategic expansion. The state-of-the-art facility aims to improve learning conditions, increase academic capacity, and accommodate future developments.
AMIU Chancellor Muthoni Kuria echoed Kenyatta’s message, calling on the graduates to lead with courage and compassion. “You leave here today not only with a degree but with a duty,” she said. “The world you enter is hungry for changemakers who can pair innovation with compassion and uphold African excellence on global platforms.”
Margaret Kenyatta attended the ceremony alongside Nyokabi Kenyatta. Dutch Ambassador Henk Jan Bakker, Amref Health Africa CEO Dr. Githinji Gitahi, and AMIU Vice Chancellor Prof. Joachim Osur were also in attendance, joining faculty and guests in celebrating the graduating class.
The event combined celebration with purpose, as graduates stepped into the next phase of their careers armed with a powerful message: their work will define the next chapter of Africa’s health story.
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