The University of Nairobi held the 67th graduation on 23rd September 2022 in Taifa Hall, Main Campus. The event saw  3,553 graduands conferred with different degrees and awarded various diplomas.

The Faculty of Built Environment and Design produced this year’s Valedictorian Ms. Cynthia Wahito Ndegwa from the Department of Architecture. In addition, 31 students from the Faculty graduated with 1st class honors, this exceptional performance has seen the Faculty stamp its authority as one of the best Faculties in the University. Overall, the Faculty produced a total of 339 graduates, of which 38 graduated with Masters Degrees, 358 with Bachelors Degrees, and 3 graduated with Diplomas.

Ms. Wahito gave the following speech during the 67th graduation ceremony;

I am delighted to welcome you to the University of Nairobi for the 67th Graduation ceremony. Today we honor graduates of the Class of 2022 for their academic achievements during their time at The University of Nairobi. Your diligence, perseverance, and hard work have paid off and it is the reason we gather here today. A big Congratulations to us all!

My name is Cynthia Wahito Ndegwa from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of the Built Environment and Design. I am honored to stand before you to deliver this speech on behalf of the graduating class. CLASS OF 2022! WE HAVE MADE IT!!! The University of Nairobi today, has become the home of tomorrow's great doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, psychologists, architects, nurses etcetera. No matter our reasons for choosing the institution a few years ago, what is important is that we are now gathered here to celebrate our triumphs, our victories and achievements both individually and as a school. Each of us has had our own unique experiences at UON. A combination of good times and bad times, times of laughter and of joy, times of school spirit, and of course times of last-minute studies, tough deadlines, and for the architecture folks studio crunchtime.

We thank God for bringing us this far! Today, I dedicate this speech to my dearest mother, Maryann Wanjiku, who I lost a year ago. Your dream was always to see your children thrive and this day is a reflection of your victorious parenting yet again. May you rest in peace knowing that the product of your hard work extends far and beyond. I extend my deepest gratitude to my father Ndegwa Kamau, my siblings Henry Kamau and Alvin Kiboi, and relatives who have supported and cheered me on every step of the way. I would also like to thank The University of Nairobi faculty, the Department of Architecture, to whom I am forever indebted. My tutors, Architect Musau Kimeu and Architect Mumbi thank you for your guidance. To my friends and peers who made waking up on Monday mornings and showing up a little easier, thank you for being a great support system.

To the SWA authorities, Club 36, and similar joints, thank you for keeping us going. To the support staff who ensure our smooth learning by providing clean spaces. Last but not least, many thanks to the society at large who in their own way have made our journey possible. THANK YOU ALL! Graduation marks the end of yet another extraordinary chapter in our lives. With this chapter closed, I am certain that many of us are already anxious about starting the next one because, unlike a book, we cannot skip through the pages to see how long the next chapter will be. We all have our own books of life; every day that passes is another page we write on. Luckily as UON Graduates, we have been given all of the paper and ink we need to write our own stories. And with the love and support of our families, friends, and fellow graduates, our stories will become best sellers. Wherever your future takes you, let it take you somewhere. Life is a journey and the accomplishments we achieve should be taken as starting points for other achievements. Life is about growing and becoming!

Our graduation serves as a launching point, projecting us to our destined futures, whatever that may be. All the best as you make bold moves in your lives.All the best as you take up spaces and opportunities meant for you. All the best as you propel the culture of the university as an institution committed towards excellence. We leave here today empowered. We have met a wide array of people, made lasting friendships and lived through lifelong memories.

We have been equipped to transform! In conclusion, drawing from the words of Tom Brokaw and I quote “You have been educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to a good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.” Let us always remember to pay it forward. Congratulations once again to the class of 2022! And may the almighty God bless you.