MMUST’s Cohort 2 of Light for the World’s RISE Program Graduates After Rigorous Employability Skills Training

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s cohort two (2) students of the Light for the World Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment (RISE) program have graduated. On Thursday, 10^th April, 2025, the 55 students, drawn from various disciplines, were awarded certificates of completion and recognition for successfully completing their training in life skills, employability skills and self-paced learning through the RISE project. The program has been implemented by Light for the World in conjunction with the Directorate of Career Services at MMUST, led by Prof. Robert Egessa. The graduation ceremony was officiated by the Registrar (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Judah Ndiku, who was representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs)-Prof. Hussein Golicha.

The Registrar (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Judah Ndiku speaks at the Light for the World’s RISE program graduation ceremony.

Notably, the program attracted over two hundred (200) students, but only 55 were selected, enabling them to undergo a rigorous training that involved key topics such as CV preparation, career planning, managing work conflicts, customer service, personal branding, communication, and professional social media use. The program, which ran from February to March, 2025, utilized both online and face to face learning approaches. Part of the training involved an actual industry visit to the Agro-Chemical and Food Company Limited (ACFC) in Muhoroni to acquaint the students with the real work environment.

The Director of Career Services at MMUST-Prof. Robert Egessa gives his remarks at the event.

Light for the World was represented by the Program Manager-Ms. Dona Akoth, while Riziki Source, which was contracted to deliver the Program, was represented by Mr. Kennedy Okongo. RISE is a comprehensive initiative aimed at empowering young people (with and without disabilities) to access and sustain decent employment opportunities. The program is implemented by Light for the World, in collaboration with key partners, including Sightsavers and the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK).

A section of the students during the graduation ceremony.

As a University of science and technology, MMUST is clearly living up to its name. Such training initiatives are indeed evidence that MMUST is equipping its graduates with the right skills for the ever-evolving world of work.