“The best time to invest was yesterday. The next best time is today.”

These words from investment advisor Janet Omusula lingered in the minds of many as the Advanced Personal Finance Management (PFM) Series came to a close.

On 27th June 2026, the Tamarind Tree Hotel was filled with a shared sense of accomplishment as 24 graduates gathered to celebrate the successful completion of the six-week programme thanks to a partnership between the Strathmore University Alumni Association and EcoBank Kenya Ltd. Designed to equip alumni with practical knowledge in personal finance, long-term wealth creation, and investment, the programme culminated in a graduation ceremony that celebrated both learning and personal growth.

Dressed in smart casual attire and adorned with elegant graduation sashes finished with Maasai beadwork, the graduates arrived eager to celebrate the milestone they had worked hard to achieve. Before the formal programme began, they enjoyed breakfast while reconnecting with classmates, expanding their professional networks, and reflecting on their learning journey.

Setting the tone for the day was Janet Ochola from the Alumni Relations Office, whose warmth and humour immediately energized the room. Rather than inviting standard introductions, she encouraged each graduate to share their profession, skills, and years of experience. She joked that anyone planning an event could probably find every professional they needed in the room: from photographers and event planners to caterers, musicians, lawyers, accountants, entrepreneurs, project managers, and finance professionals.

One of the morning’s most memorable moments came when Janet compared participants’ years of work experience to stages of the human life cycle. Professionals with three years of experience became the workplace “toddlers,” while those with 25 years or more earned the title of workplace “masters”. The light-hearted analogy sparked laughter and conversation, creating an atmosphere that reflected the close-knit nature of the Strathmore University alumni community.

Welcoming the graduates, Ms. Kalekye Mwaniki, manager of the Alumni Relations Office, congratulated participants on completing the programme and thanked them for investing in their personal and financial growth. She particularly acknowledged those who had progressed from the introductory Personal Finance Management programme to the advanced series. She also expressed her appreciation to the Alumni Relations team, giving special recognition to Lilian Mbua for successfully coordinating the programme from start to finish.

Responding to popular demand, Janet Omusula, an independent investment advisor with over 18 years of experience and one of the programme facilitators, delivered an engaging investment masterclass. Through practical examples and interactive discussions, she guided participants through investment portfolio construction, insurance planning, wealth creation strategies, and the importance of developing a clear investment plan.

The session quickly evolved into an engaging conversation as graduates explored topics ranging from life insurance products to adapting investment strategies for today’s rapidly changing financial landscape. Concluding the session, Janet left participants with a powerful reminder: “The best time to invest was   yesterday. The next best time is today.”

Her message captured the essence of the programme: financial success begins not by waiting for the perfect moment, but by taking informed action today. Building on this thought, Janet Ochola humorously observed that investing is one subject where “you cannot copy someone else’s homework,” because every financial journey is unique.

The ceremony also recognized the facilitators whose expertise had shaped the learning experience. Each facilitator received specially curated Strathmore University merchandise as a token of appreciation for their dedication and contribution to the programme.

Programme partners also shared congratulatory remarks. Mercy Mawia, the assistant tax manager at Alpha Tax Limited, applauded the graduates for their curiosity and commitment throughout the course. Stephen Kagiri, the relationship manager at Employee Schemes and Partnerships at Ecobank Kenya Limited, commended their enthusiasm and willingness to embrace new knowledge.

On her part, Ecobank Kenya Partnerships and Diaspora Banking Manager Gladys Mutanu celebrated the University’s partnership with the bank while highlighting financial solutions available to alumni. She also recognized one of the programme’s youngest participants for his commitment to learning about personal finance.

Alumni Relations Director Elias Kaburu congratulated graduates for embracing Strathmore University’s culture of lifelong learning. He revealed that proceeds from the programme go towards the upkeep of eight scholarship undergraduate students through the Alumni Fund, demonstrating how alumni participation continues to create opportunities for future generations. He encouraged graduates to remain actively engaged with the University and continue contributing ideas that strengthen alumni programmes.

Eric Saulo, the director of Partnerships said the programme exemplifies the University’s commitment to collaboration, lifelong learning, and personalized attention, all values that continue to define Strathmore’s relationship with its alumni.

The ceremony reached its emotional peak as graduates walked to the front of the room to receive their certificates. Proud smiles, heartfelt applause, and countless photographs captured a moment that reflected six weeks of discipline, commitment, and personal transformation.

The celebrations continued over lunch, where graduates shared conversations about future collaborations, career aspirations, and the practical financial lessons they intended to implement long after the programme had ended.

While each graduate left with a certificate, they also departed with something far more valuable: the confidence, knowledge, and practical tools to make informed financial decisions and build lasting wealth.

Ready to begin your own financial empowerment journey?

The next Personal Finance Management (PFM) Programme begins on 1st August 2026.

Register today: https://bit.ly/PFM-2026

Article written by Natalia Buhasio