Amref International University (AMIU) has celebrated its 7th Graduation Ceremony, awarding qualifications to over 600 graduates across certificate, diploma, higher diploma, bachelor’s and master’s programmes.
Held under the theme “Raising Leaders for Africa’s Health Transformation,” the ceremony celebrated a new generation of health professionals ready to strengthen health systems, advance innovation and improve health outcomes across Africa.
With the graduation of the Class of 2026, the University has now produced nearly 1,500 graduates since 2021, reflecting its growing contribution to developing Africa’s health workforce and preparing health leaders equipped to respond to the continent’s evolving healthcare needs.
This year’s graduation also comes at a significant moment as the Amref family gears towards celebrating 70 years of transforming health across Africa. For seven decades, Amref Health Africa has championed community-led health solutions, advanced health equity and strengthened the continent’s health workforce. As a Chartered University within the Amref Health Africa family, AMIU is proud to carry that legacy forward by preparing the next generation of health professionals and leaders who will shape Africa’s health transformation.
The ceremony was presided over by AMIU Chancellor, Mrs Tsitsi Masiyiwa, while Dr Joyce Kaducu, Former Minister of Education and Sports of the Republic of Uganda, served as the Chief Guest.
In her address, Chancellor Mrs Tsitsi Masiyiwa reminded graduates that leadership is measured by the impact they have on others.
“Let your ambition always be greater than personal success. Measure your life not only by what you achieve, but by what you enable others to achieve. Measure your influence not only by the positions you hold, but by the opportunities you create for those who follow.”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Joyce Kaducu underscored the importance of investing in the health workforce as a foundation for national and continental development.
“Investing in the health workforce is investing in the future of a nation. Every well-trained health professional strengthens communities, drives innovation, and improves health outcomes for generations to come.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Joachim Osur reaffirmed AMIU’s commitment to developing graduates who combine academic excellence with leadership, innovation and service to communities across Africa, noting that the University continues to prepare professionals who are ready to lead the transformation of healthcare across the continent.
The Class of 2026 included 16 master’s graduates, while the largest graduating cohorts were from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Diploma in Community Health and Diploma in Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing programmes, reflecting the University’s continued investment in strengthening primary healthcare across Africa.
The graduation ceremony also celebrated the partnerships that continue to strengthen AMIU’s mission of raising leaders for Africa’s health transformation. KCB Group was represented by Rosalind Gichuru, Group Director, Marketing and Communications, while representatives from HIKVision also graced the occasion, reaffirming the importance of collaboration between academia, industry and development partners in preparing the next generation of health leaders.
The wider Amref Health Africa family was also well represented. Dr Patrick Kagurusi, Country Director of Amref Health Africa in Uganda, joined the celebration virtually and encouraged graduates to embrace collaboration throughout their careers.
“I encourage you to embrace collaboration throughout your careers. Learn from one another. Share your knowledge generously. Build partnerships that strengthen institutions and improve the lives of the communities you serve. Our greatest progress will come when we work together rather than apart.”
Representing Amref Health Africa USA, Chief Executive Officer Robert Kelty reminded graduates that the future of health in Africa will be shaped by leaders who serve with humility, integrity and purpose.
“The future of health in Africa will not be shaped in conference rooms but by people who listen before they lead, who understand that trust must be earned, and who know that health, above all, is a matter of dignity. It will be shaped by you.”
The University’s global alumni community was represented by Dr Ravi Ram, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Amref Alumni and Associates Network, who welcomed the graduates into a worldwide network of professionals committed to advancing health through collaboration, mentorship and lifelong learning. He encouraged the Class of 2026 to remain connected to one another and to use every professional relationship as an opportunity to strengthen communities and improve health outcomes.
Also joining the celebration was Dr Richard Lesiyampe, Chief Executive Officer of Kenyatta National Hospital, who challenged graduates to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical practice. He encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning, innovation and patient-centred care, reminding them that Africa’s health transformation depends on competent, compassionate and practice-ready professionals committed to strengthening health systems across the continent.
As graduates joined the growing AMIU alumni community, they were encouraged to embrace lifelong learning, collaborate across borders and use their knowledge and skills to improve lives wherever they serve.
The ceremony also recognised the unwavering support of parents, guardians, faculty, staff and partners whose commitment continues to contribute to the University’s success and the development of Africa’s future health workforce.
As a Chartered University and part of the Amref Health Africa family, AMIU remains committed to raising leaders who will shape the future of healthcare through education, research, innovation and service across Africa.
