Ten journalists have graduated with a master’s degree in digital journalism, the first programme of its kind in Kenya and East Africa at the Aga Khan University’s 16th convocation in Kenya.
A total of 93 students received diplomas and degrees in oncology nursing, nursing, medicine, education and digital journalism at the convocation on Wednesday.
In his opening address at the ceremony in Nairobi, AKU President Firoz Rasul said the University is evolving to meet the demands of a changing world, and to deliver on its mission of improving quality of life in Africa.
“As of today, the number of Kenyans who have graduated from AKU stands at more than 1,500. From Mombasa to Turkana to Nairobi, they are leading change as educators, clinicians, entrepreneurs, advocates, public servants, and policymakers. And now, with the awarding of our first master’s degrees in digital journalism, they will be making their mark in the media sector as well,” Mr Rasul said.
Speaking about the impact of her degree, Julian Kamau, citizen journalism editor at the Standard Group said: “This course has helped open up my mind to the different possibilities in media. I have utilised the different skills acquired during the training and I am looking to better put what I have learned into practice.”
Another graduate, Kenneth Kipruto, news editor at the Standard newspaper added: “As a newspaper editor, I no longer think of the stories as just for print but for the website too. I can proudly say that thanks to the course, I can do a story for TV and radio.”
The Aga Khan University recently introduced three new master’s degrees, in nursing, midwifery, and media leadership and innovation at its campus in Kenya. It is also establishing a Centre for Cancer Research to develop treatments specifically for East Africa’s population, and will soon commence the construction of a Children’s Specialty Hospital in Nairobi to provide advanced paediatric care. Construction of the University Centre in Nairobi is underway and will provide cutting-edge learning and research spaces for students and faculty.
In his speech, chief guest Dr Rashid Aman, chief administrative secretary at Kenya’s Ministry of Health applauded AKU for being an outstanding institution of higher education and healthcare delivery in Kenya.
“Your expansion of molecular imaging and oncology services in the recent past, are of particular importance to government as they provide an opportunity to increase access to specialised healthcare in this region, making Kenya a medical tourism hub in line with the country’s vision 2030,” Dr Aman said.
A total of 93 graduates were awarded degrees and diplomas in various disciplines: 12 graduated with a Diploma in Oncology Nursing, 28 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 26 with a Master of Medicine, 17 with a Master of Education, and 10 with a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism.
