On Friday November 7, 2025, St. John Paul II Institute, held its 3rd graduation ceremony, marking a significant milestone as 96 students graduated with certificates and diplomas in various disciplines from the School of Engineering and the School of Business. The event, held at the institution’s grounds, drew hundreds of parents, guardians, and invited guests.

The ceremony began with a Holy Mass presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Kitui Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela, who called on the graduates to seek employment through honest means and to embrace self-employment by making use of available local resources. He encouraged them to develop solutions that address the needs of their communities and to remain prayerful, united, and supportive of one another.

Bishop Mwongela reaffirmed the diocese’s commitment to creating opportunities that empower young people, emphasizing that education not only imparts academic knowledge but also shapes integrity, ethics, and moral values vital for both community and national development.

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The institute’s Director, Fr. Robert Mutui, congratulated the graduates and reminded them to uphold the positive values instilled in them during their time at the institution. He encouraged them to actively contribute to the growth and transformation of Kitui County and the nation at large.

In his address, the Board Chairman, Mr. Samuel Ikima, also commended the graduates for their hard work and resilience. He expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills gained from the institute would greatly benefit them in their future careers and endeavors.

Meanwhile, the school’s Manager, Mr. Lawrence Mutua, lauded the graduates for their determination and perseverance throughout their studies. He however, appealed to the government to extend financial support to private institutions like St. John Paul II Institute. Mr. Mutua noted that unlike public institutions, private colleges do not receive government sponsorship, and their students are often excluded from accessing government funding opportunities like HELB loans.

He urged the government to consider extending similar support to students in private institutions, emphasizing that all students are Kenyan citizens and taxpayers deserving equal opportunities.

“Private institutions lack sponsorship, yet their students are also Kenyan citizens and taxpayers,” he said. “I urge the government to consider extending support to these students just as it does for those in public institutions.”

The ceremony’s Chief Guest, Dr. Catherine Amulundu, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to use the skills gained at the institute to build their lives and make meaningful contributions to society.

The ceremony concluded with joy and celebration as the 96 graduates marked the culmination of their academic journey and the beginning of new opportunities ahead.

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