President William Ruto Speaking during the 5th graduation ceremony of Uzima University in Kisumu County on January 30, 2026. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
President William Ruto has challenged Kenyans to embrace higher ambition and reject mediocrity, saying the country’s future prosperity depends on courage, discipline and long-term vision rather than comfort and complacency.
Speaking on Thursday during the 5th graduation ceremony of Uzima University in Kisumu County, the President praised the institution for emerging as a centre of excellence in medical training, describing it as a model of how focused ambition can transform higher education and healthcare in Kenya.
President Ruto lauded Uzima University’s growth from its humble beginnings to a fully chartered university, noting that its strength lies not in age or size but in its clear mission and commitment to service. He highlighted the university’s specialised focus on medical education and its expanding global partnerships, which he said are positioning Kenya as a serious player in health training and research.
The Head of State pointed to Uzima’s collaborations with leading global institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University and the University of Oxford, saying such partnerships are bringing world-class expertise directly to local communities. He noted that international exchange programmes and diaspora-led specialist collaborations were already strengthening healthcare capacity, particularly in advanced fields such as neurosurgery.
President Ruto further revealed that Uzima University is on the brink of establishing a world-class oncology and haematology research centre through a major global research partnership. He said the planned facility, alongside a clinical trials hub, would play a critical role in training future cancer specialists and addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
Using the university’s progress as a metaphor for national renewal, the President said Kenya had for too long settled for average outcomes, often avoiding difficult reforms that require short-term sacrifice for long-term gain. He argued that this mindset had delayed key national goals such as affordable housing, universal health coverage and sustainable financing for universities.
“That era is behind us,” President Ruto declared, citing recent government reforms. He noted that more than 29 million Kenyans are now registered under the Social Health Authority, while over 240,000 affordable housing units are at various stages of completion across the country. He also said savings under the National Social Security Fund have more than doubled within 30 months, surpassing what had been accumulated over six decades.
The President added that the new student funding model has restored fairness and sustainability in higher education by anchoring support on merit and need, ensuring universities remain viable while protecting access for deserving students.
Addressing the graduands directly, President Ruto reflected on his own journey, saying he was not born into privilege but was shaped by faith, self-belief and hard work. He described these values as the great equalisers of life, available to all regardless of background, wealth or connections.
He urged the new graduates to become “practical dreamers” who combine vision with effort, reminding them that their starting point does not define their destination.
“As you step forward to serve the nation, let your purpose be clear, your courage steady and your work tireless,” he said, congratulating the graduates and wishing them success in their professional journeys.
