Nairobi, Kenya, Nov 8 — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on a new generation of graduates to embrace ethical leadership and integrity, urging them to pursue justice and peace as they step into the world of service.
He spoke on Friday evening during the 2024/2025 Kenyatta Trust Graduation Dinner held in Nairobi, where 41 scholars were celebrated for completing their undergraduate and tertiary studies across various institutions.
“This is the charge I lay before you tonight: go out into the world with humility and lead. Lead with integrity. Lead with a commitment to justice, and lead always with peace in your hearts,” said Kenyatta.
The former Head of State and patron of the Kenyatta Trust, who was accompanied by former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, emphasized the importance of courage and moral conviction in leadership.
Speaking under the theme “From Learners to Leaders,” Kenyatta urged graduates to uphold ethical values in all circumstances.
“Always do right, even when the right thing isn’t popular,” he said.
Established in 2010, the Kenyatta Trust has supported bright and deserving young Kenyans through education and mentorship, with the goal of nurturing leaders grounded in service, compassion, and unity.
Kenyatta said the Trust’s mission was to build a sense of national rather than tribal identity among beneficiaries.
“We wanted to nurture individuals who do not identify with a tribe or a region, but as part of a great nation — a people with shared destiny. The building of a great nation begins with the ability to see one another as equals in purpose and hope,” he said.
The former president commended the graduates for their resilience and reminded them of their responsibility to promote unity, empathy, and service in nation-building.
“You have learnt that the bonds that sustain our nation are woven from mutual tolerance and respect,” he told them. “Keep in mind your sacred duty that we are, indeed, our brother’s keeper.”
Nyokabi Kenyatta, a Director of the Trust, reaffirmed its holistic approach to empowerment.
“At Kenyatta Trust, we believe that true transformation happens when it touches every aspect of a person’s life — their mind, heart, family, community, and their sense of service,” she said.
Fellow Director Kirigo Ndegwa lauded the scholars’ achievements, noting that over 68 percent of Kenyatta Trust graduates are now gainfully employed.
“It’s not by chance. Kenyatta Trust scholars are built differently — they are resilient, responsible, and truly remarkable,” she said.
The Trust’s holistic model includes complementary programmes such as the Janjaruka camps, the Inuka economic empowerment programme, and the Tuungane mentorship initiative, all aimed at building well-rounded leaders.
The evening was marked by emotion, reflection, and celebration, as graduates, parents, and guardians joined in honouring the milestone — a testament to the Trust’s continued mission of transforming learners into leaders equipped to serve Kenya with humility and heart.