Before the official addresses began, and well before over 700 graduands were handed across the stage, St. Andrew’s PCEA Church Hall was already on its feet.
As soon as the band started playing, the CHRM mascot stormed the floor to get the crowd moving. Within seconds, formal academic robes gave way to dance moves, as graduating students, faculty, board members, and parents joined the surprise dance party. It was high-energy, unapologetic, and the exact kind of joyful noise meant to kick off the 29th CHRM Graduation Ceremony.
Held on Friday, 25th September, from 9:00 AM in the heart of Nairobi, the ceremony gathered over 700 graduands from the Class of 2026. Themed “Enabling Future-Ready Professionals For Impact,” the day stood as a testament to months of rigor, late-night studying, and complete personal transformation.
A Gathering of Leaders, Partners, and Faith
Following a solemn academic procession, the morning opened with interfaith prayers led by a Sheikh alongside Rev. Canon CPA Stephine, setting a grounded, inclusive tone for a class stepping into a complex world.
The hall was packed to capacity with parents, guardians, faculty, the CHRM Board of Directors, and industry partners who continue to stand behind CHRM’s mission. Key corporate partners, including ICEA Lion Asset Management, Safaricom, DTB, Ronalds, and KCB, among many others, were in attendance to witness the next generation of workforce leaders take the stage.
“Unlearn and Relearn”: Straight Talk from the Podium
As the celebration transitioned into formal addresses, the messages delivered from the podium offered sharp, practical wisdom for the road ahead.
The student representative opened the floor with an honest reflection on the Class of 2026’s journey, followed by remarks from the CHRM Alumni Association (CHRMAA), officially welcoming the new cohort into a network of thousands of practicing leaders across East Africa.
When the College Principal took the microphone, the advice was direct and immediate:
“The professional of today must be able to unlearn and relearn. What got you through your exams will not be enough to keep you relevant ten years from now. Stay curious, stay adaptable, and keep growing.”
Further perspective came from Dr. Tom Kamaliki, Chairperson of the Education & Training Board Committee, alongside the CHRM Board Chairman, both emphasizing that technical skills must be paired with operational discipline to build resilient institutions.
Chief Guest Dr. David Oginde: Protect Your Dignity
The defining moment of the morning came during the Keynote Address by Chief Guest Dr. David Oginde, whose address held the entire hall in complete silence.
Skipping the usual canned advice, he walked the audience through genuine moments from his own career, Dr. Oginde bypassed standard platitudes. Instead, he challenged the 700-plus graduands to anchor their careers in unwavering ethics.
“As you step into offices, boardrooms, and leadership seats, remember this: act fairly, protect human dignity at all costs, and have the courage to make sound decisions even when they are unpopular. Integrity is not negotiable.”
Celebrating Excellence & The Big Moment
With the keynote setting a high bar for the future, the ceremony shifted to celebrating top academic performers. Course by course, the best-performing students took the stage to receive award gifts, recognized by faculty and sponsors for their exceptional effort.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: the official presentation of candidates and the conferment of certificates and diplomas. Row by row, graduands rose, cheered on by family members, to officially become CHRM graduates.
The formal proceedings concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks from a select graduating student, followed by a final benediction from the College Chaplain.
As the official procession exited, the band picked right back up. High-fives, tearful embraces, impromptu photos, and family celebrations filled the St. Andrew’s grounds late into the afternoon.
Congratulations to the CHRM Class of 2026! You have built the foundation, mastered the skills, and earned your place. Now step out, challenge the status quo, and make your impact felt.
