Dr. Juma Mukhwana Urges Kenyatta University Students to Dream Boldly During Career Week.

Dr. Juma Mukhwana Urges Kenyatta University Students to Dream Boldly During Career Week.

Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Industry at Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, addresses students at Kenyatta University during Career Week, urging them to focus on skill acquisition to seize future opportunities.

By Jeff Oyugi 

Nairobi - January 27, 2026

Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Industry within Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, called on young Kenyans to embrace bold ideas and take active roles in shaping Africa’s industrial future during the ongoing Career Week at Kenyatta University.

Speaking before the Vice Chancellor, university management and council members, distinguished faculty, leaders from industry and government, development partners, parents, guardians and the students themselves, Dr. Mukhwana emphasized that education should go beyond certification to drive transformation of individuals, communities, and the nation.

“Every generation is given a moment by history. Some rise to it, others watch it pass,” Dr. Mukhwana said. “Those that rise are remembered not because circumstances were easy, but because courage was greater than fear. Today, Kenya, Africa and especially Africa’s young people are facing such a challenge and such an opportunity.”

Highlighting Kenya’s ongoing efforts in industrialization, Dr. Mukhwana outlined the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, noting that technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, clean energy and data are redefining global power and prosperity.

He pointed out that while Africa accounts for nearly 17 percent of the world’s population, the continent contributes less than 3 percent to global manufacturing output, a statistic he described not as an indictment, but as an opportunity. “This is a call to build, to innovate and to lead,” he said.

Dr. Mukhwana highlighted the government’s strategic initiatives aimed at driving industrial growth, including the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, Special Economic Zones, industrial parks, the CAIPS program, the digital economy agenda and the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative. These efforts, he said, are designed to ensure Kenya competes globally while creating inclusive economic growth at home.

However, Dr. Mukhwana cautioned that policy alone cannot drive industrialization. “Industrialization is driven by people, by ideas, skills and courage,” he stressed. “Universities must become engines of innovation, producing creators rather than job seekers.”

He urged the students to think beyond traditional career paths, advocating for a mindset focused not only on employment but also on impact and significance. “Ask not only who will employ you, but what you can build,” Dr. Mukhwana said. “Africa cannot continue exporting raw materials and importing poverty. We must add value at home, create jobs at home and retain wealth at home.”

Commending Kenyatta University for inspiring students to exceed their limits, Dr. Mukhwana reminded them of the transformative power of education. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he said, “Education is the most powerful weapon with which to change the world.”

Closing his remarks, Dr. Mukhwana called on young Kenyans to rise above fear and comfort, emphasizing that this is Kenya’s moment to industrialize, Africa’s moment to create prosperity and the students’ moment to dream boldly and change the world.