Thousands of newly admitted students gathered at the KCA University Ruaraka Campus on Friday, 11th September, for the institution’s official Matriculation Ceremony.
A marching brass band in white coats led the ceremonial procession past central campus buildings into a draped main pavilion filled with freshers.
The formal academic event officially admitted the new students and marked the beginning of their higher education journey.
A Grand Welcome for Freshers
Vice Chancellor and CEO Professor Isaiah Wakindiki welcomed the new cohort into the university community.
Prof Wakindiki, who holds the national honour of Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS), congratulated the students on their choice of institution.
He commended the students for their firm decision of choosing KCA university, from among over 40 universities in Kenya.
“Thatchoicedear student, it tells me something aboutyou,it tells me that you are an ambitious person, that you value excellenceandthat you are ready to be part of something bigger than yourself,” Prof Isaiah Wakindiki said.
During his speech, he engaged the congregation with an interactive call-and-response test, affirming their commitment to the institution.
Inspiring Future Leaders
Urging students to recognise the potential among their peers, Prof Wakindiki noted that they were seated next to future industry leaders.
“You are sitting to the next big professor in this republic a few years to come.”
He stated that the student body also includes future top entrepreneurs and politicians who will shape the direction of the country.
Explaining that matriculation derives from Latin roots meaning to register, he described the milestone in simple terms.
“Think of it as crossing the starting line in a marathon,” Prof Wakindiki added.
Key University Stats and Growth
Founded in 1989 and sponsored by ICPAK, KCA University currently hosts over 38,000 registered students from at least 20 nationalities.
The university operates across four physical campuses in Ruaraka, Nairobi CBD, Kitangela, and Kisumu, alongside a virtual distance learning centre.
Itboastsover 500 lecturerson payroll, with nearly half holding PhD qualifications.
Prof Wakindiki revealed that 96% of graduates secure gainful employment or business opportunities within their first year after graduation.
The institution’s 45,000 alumni currently impact sectors across 43 countries globally.
Additionally, the University Council has allocated KES 2 billion towards new physical structures at the Ruaraka campus, scheduled for completion in September 2027.
Centre of Excellence Recognition
During the ceremony, CPA Jacinta Moraa presented KCA University with a certificate recognising it as a KASNEB Centre of Excellence.
Prof Wakindiki, who also serves as Vice President of the Association of African Universities, announced that the campus will host the association’s 60th anniversary next year.
Concluding his address, the Vice Chancellor advised students to actively grab available opportunities.
“I’ve never been lucky. I’ve just been very keen on opportunities that have been placed before me and I exploit them to the maximum.”
He encouraged the new cohort to maintain high personal standards throughout their academic journey.
“Remember a standard of discipline, a standard of integrity, and a standard of excellence,” Prof Wakindiki added.
