Nairobi, Kenya—In his first official public act after the creation of the Government of National Unity, Kenya’s President, Mwai Kibaki, visited Strathmore together with Hon. Raila Odinga, the Prime Minister of Kenya, to award Strathmore its university charter.

In a ceremony marked by pomp and color, the President commended Strathmore for its contribution  over many years to capacity building in Kenya.

“The stewardship of Kenya’s corporate sector owes much gratitude to Strathmore,” the President said, “…not just for its ability to supply qualified accountants, but also for the high level of professionalism by past graduates of this instituion.”

In addition to the Prime Minister, several other ministers accompanied the President, including Hon. Dalmas Otieno, Minister for Public Service, himself  a Strathmore graduate. While introducing the President, Prime Minister Odinga, also the MP for Langata, Strathmore’s home district, referred to Strathmore as the “jewel in the crown” of his Langata constituency.

“This day is truly special, “ responded VC John Odhiambo, “I thank your Excellency for coming to the University and presiding over today’s ceremony. I also want to join other Kenyans in congratulating your Excellency and the Prime Minister for working together to reconcile our people and to advance national cohesion and peaceful coexistence. At Strathmore we embrace ethnic diversity in the firm knowledge that we all belong to only one tribe, the tribe of the children of God. We appeal to your Excellency and the Prime Minister and to all the political leaders in the country to cultivate the goodwill and trust necessary for the success of the grand coalition government.”