A Ceremony of Firsts: Riara University’s 9th Commencement Celebrates Legacy, Leadership, and New Beginnings
“You may now turn your tassel from right to left.”
With those long-awaited words, Riara University proudly celebrated its 9th Commencement Ceremony, a historic occasion that honored 601 graduates, the University’s largest cohort to date. The event not only marked the academic triumph of the Class of 2025, but also ushered in a new era with the installation of Riara’s second Chancellor, Dr. Jendayi Frazer. It was also the first graduation since the University received its Charter, a powerful reminder of growth, transformation, and enduring vision.
A Procession of Purpose and Pride
Held under a majestic white marquee draped in Riara’s signature royal purple and navy blue colours, the ceremony began with a formal academic procession. Graduands from six schools — Law, Business, Education, International Relations, Communication and Multimedia Journalism, and Computing Sciences — walked in robes adorned with vibrant stoles unique to each discipline, reflecting their academic identities and aspirations.
Following them was a colourful Chancellor’s procession, led by a ceremonial Kenya Police Band and flanked by faculty, award-winning students, and invited dignitaries. The air was filled with anticipation as Dr. Jendayi Frazer made her ceremonial debut, walking with dignity and confidence at the tail end of the procession.
Moments of Reflection and Joy
The Master of Ceremonies, Ms. Waceke Gachukia, set the day’s tone with elegance and warmth. After an inclusive interfaith invocation, the grounds came alive with the melodic voices of two Riara students, Amos & Avva, a beloved Kenyan duo whose renditions of Kwama and Tokea stirred the crowd and amplified the festive mood. The performance climaxed with the celebratory anthem, ‘ayayayayaya… I made it!’ — a jubilant soundtrack to a day of dreams fulfilled.
A Valedictory Message of Transformation
Ms. Angela Ruguru Kenoro, the top graduate from the School of Computing Sciences (and overall), delivered a poignant Valedictorian Speech that resonated deeply with the audience. She likened the graduates’ journey to a blank sheet of paper, being folded along its journey, each fold symbolizing the unique challenges, friendships, and milestones that shaped their paths.
“Today, you are folded planes ready to fly,” she said with conviction, before gently releasing a paper plane into the air. It glided gracefully over the crowd, a powerful metaphor of aspirations taking flight, met with a wave of applause and emotion.
Messages of Encouragement and Legacy
Dr. Evans Amata, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, welcomed goodwill messages from institutional partners. Among them was a heartfelt address from Prof. Emeritus Ratemo Michieka, Chair of the National Research Fund, Chancellor of Tharaka University, and founding Vice Chancellor of JKUAT. His presence lent gravitas to the ceremony, as he extended both congratulations and a warm welcome to the incoming Chancellor, affirming the University’s growing stature in the academic community.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Robert Gateru, delivered a passionate and visionary speech. He urged graduates to challenge convention, create solutions, and lead Africa into a brighter future. “Africa does not need imitators, it needs innovators,” he declared. He paused to honor parents and guardians, asking graduates to rise and applaud their parents, guardians, and sponsors — a moving moment of gratitude and recognition that rippled through the audience.
A Farewell to Founding Chancellor Dr. Wilfred Kiboro
In a reflective and emotional segment, the University honored its founding Chancellor, Dr. Wilfred Kiboro, whose 12-year leadership journey helped shape Riara University’s ethos. Prof. Gateru paid tribute to Dr. Kiboro’s visionary leadership, lauding him as a transformative business leader, philanthropist, and mentor.
When invited to speak, Dr. Kiboro delivered an address filled with humility and optimism. He encouraged graduates to be courageous changemakers and to approach life with purpose and integrity. “You are an excellent class. May God bless you,” he concluded, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd.
Installation of Dr. Jendayi Frazer as Chancellor
The highlight of the day followed — the ceremonial installation of Dr. Jendayi Elizabeth Frazer as Chancellor of Riara University. A globally respected diplomat, scholar, and entrepreneur, Dr. Frazer was officially robed by the Council Chair Mr. Isaac Awuondo, outgoing Chancellor Dr. Wilfred Kiboro, and Board of Trustees member Ms. Suzanne Gachukia-Opembe.
She was presented with the instruments of authority — the University Mace, Charter, Seal, and Emblem — symbolizing her assumption of office and the responsibilities ahead. In her inaugural address, Dr. Frazer expressed her gratitude to her predecessor and the University community. She called on Riara to be bold, imaginative, and purpose-driven, noting, “Africa’s future belongs to those who can imagine boldly and build with purpose.”
Celebrating Excellence Beyond the Classroom.
Before the degrees were conferred and diplomas awarded, Riara University recognized excellence through a series of student awards. The prestigious VC’s Roll of Honour was presented to the top-performing student from each School. Additional awards celebrated achievements in innovation, leadership, sports, and service.
Ms. Angela Ruguru Kenoro received the coveted University Founder’s Award for academic excellence, being the graduate with the topmost Cumulative GPA across all programmes. Mr. Caleb Baraka was honored with the Chancellor’s Award, the highest student accolade, recognizing his holistic achievements and exemplary service to the University as an excellent scholar, volunteer, and selfless leader, whose time at RU has impacted many.
The Turning of the Tassel
With accolades awarded and speeches concluded, the graduates stood to take the Alumni Pledge, led by Ms. Jacqueline Kaniu, Deputy Registrar for Academic Affairs, and then came the defining moment.
In her first official act as Chancellor, Dr. Frazer conferred the degrees and declared, “You may now turn your tassel from right to left.” In unison, tassels turned as the crowd erupted in cheers and camera flashes captured the proud smiles of the Class of 2025.
The Master of Ceremonies closed the event on a joyful note, saying, “You have sat for too long, now it’s time to dance.” And indeed, they danced, with energy, joy, and boundless hope.
A New Direction Begins
With a final prayer offered by Dr. Evans Amata and the singing of the national anthem, Riara University’s 9th Commencement Ceremony drew to a close. Yet, the mood was not one of finality, but of new beginnings.
As tassels turned and graduates stepped boldly into their futures, they carried with them more than degrees. They carried dreams, purpose, and a shared commitment to lead, uplift, and disrupt the norm.
The future, as this unforgettable ceremony affirmed, is theirs to shape, and RU will always be here for our gallant Class of 2025, The Chartered!
