First Lady Margaret Kenyatta was today conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree by Kenyatta University.
This is in recognition of her initiative to save mothers and children through the ‘Beyond Zero’ campaign.
Speaking during the 37th graduation ceremony of Kenyatta University, the First Lady described the award as both an encouragement and an inspiration for her to continue serving Kenyans with dedication.
“I dedicate this distinct honour to gallant Kenyans who join me every day in the fight to eliminate these preventable deaths. Ending these unnecessary deaths is not a choice; it is a necessity,” she added.
She pledged to remain fully committed in the many national endeavours undertaken by her office.
“In particular, we will continue with the Beyond Zero campaign whose ultimate goal is to eradicate unnecessary maternal and early childhood deaths,” she said.
Saying the ‘Beyond Zero’ campaign had taught her that no goal was too great to achieve, the First Lady pointed out, that with focus, Kenyans could overcome most of the challenges facing the nation.
“The fact that at my age, and as a mother of three, I can run a full, 42km marathon for the sake of our mothers and children speaks volumes of the fact that you, too, can overcome insurmountable odds to achieve your goals,” she said.
The First Lady invited Kenyatta University and other institutions to send teams to the second edition of the First Lady’s Half Marathon set for March 8, 2015 to help prevent needless maternal and early childhood deaths.
During the occasion, 5947 graduates were awarded certificates, diplomas and degrees.
Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi challenged youths to make good use of the Uwezo fund and other government initiatives to create jobs and wealth.
Prof. Kaimenyi also told youths to support government efforts on peace and security by shunning activities that posed a threat to national interests.
The CS told youths, “Ensure that all what you do in your daily endeavours, portrays the country positively.”
He said from January next year, parents and students will also enjoy the government waiver on registration and examination fees.
Students from the EAC will use their identity cards as travel documents and pay fees through local currency like the nationals of host countries, he added.