Babu Owino Urges graduates to lead Kenya’s fight against poverty, corruption and tribalism

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino on Friday challenged graduating students of the Milestone Institute of Professional Studies to take an active role in transforming Kenya, calling on the youth to help steer the nation away from poverty, corruption, and tribalism.

Speaking at the institution’s fourth graduation ceremony held at Thika Stadium, the MP urged the new graduates to use their skills and unity of purpose to propel the country forward.

“Fellow comrades, I appeal to us to rescue this nation from the jaws of poverty, from the shackles of corruption, and from the ineptitude of tribalism,” Owino said.

He emphasized that Kenya’s progress rests heavily on the capabilities and collective action of its young people.

“Your skills will contribute a great deal to the development of this nation because it is our nation. United, we are able to transform this nation and take it to greater heights,” he added.

Owino further called for a shift in the country’s political culture, stressing the need for visionary leadership over transactional politics.

“Remember, the transformation of this nation depends on transformational leadership, not transactional leadership. It depends on leadership with a vision to improve lives, not a mission to destroy them,” he said.

The outspoken legislator noted that Kenyan youth have long been sidelined by those in power and urged them to take charge of the country’s future.

“For a long time, the youth of this nation have been shortchanged, deceived, and conned. Now is the time to stand up and be counted. Now is the time to change the trajectory of this nation by becoming the change we want to see,” Owino stated.

Meanwhile, Milestone Institute of Professional Studies chairman Prof. George Maina commended the graduating class and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to linking learners with both local and international opportunities.

Prof. Maina revealed that the college has signed several Memoranda of Understanding with countries including Germany and the United Kingdom, unlocking avenues for students to work or further their education abroad.

“We have an agency — Milestone International Staffing Agency — that scouts for job opportunities both locally and internationally. At the moment, we have signed MoUs with countries such as the UK and Germany,” he said.

He added that the institution is also working on programmes that allow learners to advance their studies overseas.

“For instance, we have an MoU with Germany where students can receive sponsorship for courses, provided they attain at least B2 proficiency in the German language,” Prof. Maina noted.