Strathmore University will confer a record 12 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees during its upcoming graduation ceremony on June 27, 2025. This achievement underscores the University’s growing impact on high-level research and its commitment to addressing real-world challenges. Among the 12, there is one posthumous award to Kemal Ahmed Hussein, an enduring testament to the perseverance and purpose that defines the Strathmore spirit.

Each PhD thesis reflects a deep engagement with complex societal issues, from health systems and vaccine equity to green supply chains, sovereign risk, and organisational resilience. These scholars have indeed pushed the boundaries of knowledge in their fields and have done so with an eye toward impact, policy relevance, and innovation.

Anita Njemo Musiega’s work sheds light on the intricate link between public financial management and the efficiency of county health systems in Kenya. Her research offers a comprehensive policy roadmap for enhancing budget formulation, execution, and monitoring in a sector critical to public well-being.

Stacey Kwamboka Orangi turns our attention to the often-overlooked realm of adult vaccination, providing timely insights into the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Kenya. Her work explores the cost-effectiveness and behavioural barriers of vaccine uptake, underscoring the need for better financing and strategic communication.

In the financial services sector, Rev. Simon Kanji examines how organisational capabilities, when mediated by effective leadership, enhance performance. His findings hold important lessons for institutions striving to build resilience in a volatile economic landscape.

Mary Aming’a offers a transformative look into building resilient economies through green and closed-loop supply chain management within Sub-Saharan Africa’s manufacturing sector. Her study presents a novel triadic framework, with sustainability and resilience at its core.

Salome Oyuga’s research digs deep into the human dimensions of infrastructure policy, revealing how culture-driven social learning and sovereign risk perceptions influence the success of mega projects. Her proposed human-centred framework has far-reaching implications for how Kenya designs and manages infrastructure development.

Jane Ngaruiya’s examination of interest rate regulation and bank performance provides new clarity on a long-contested policy issue. Her quantitative study unpacks the unintended consequences of interest rate caps and makes a case for risk-based pricing as a better alternative for financial inclusion.

Juliana Kamau’s study on heuristics, digital financial services, and saving behaviours among SACCO members brings fresh behavioural economics insights into the Kenyan financial landscape. Her findings call for more tailored financial education and digital innovation in member-based financial institutions.

A section of the 12 graduands during the luncheon

Faith Njambi Njaramba’s research delves into how different leadership styles, including transformational, directive, and even abusive, interact with psychological capital and fear to influence the resilience of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) during times of crisis. Her multilevel model highlights the pivotal role of employee mindset in navigating uncertainty and provides practical guidance for leaders seeking to build organisational resilience in the face of future disruptions.

Edwin Adoyo Obonyo investigates the interplay between information sharing, social capital, and sustainable performance in the meat supply chain. His work strengthens the case for better data integration and collaborative power dynamics in food systems.

Fr. Fidelis Francis Udahemuka explores the intersection of spiritual leadership and meaningful work. His research outlines how intrinsic motivation and supportive organisational culture can be key drivers of employee well-being and productivity in Kenya’s banking sector.

Judy Watiri Gichuki’s innovative work explores how behavioural nudges and socio-cultural perceptions influence childhood vaccination in Nairobi’s informal settlements. Her findings on the power of loss-framed and emotionally resonant messaging offer vital strategies for improving immunisation rates.

During a celebratory luncheon held on June 19, 2025, Prof. Bernard Shibwabo, Director of the School of Graduate Studies, lauded the graduands for their academic perseverance and personal growth.

“We are celebrating your achievement,” he said, “but more than that, we are celebrating who you have become,” said Prof. Shibwabo.

He emphasised that while the doctoral title carries prestige, it must also be worn with a sense of humility and gratitude.

“Let us not forget where we came from. Your title, as much as it is big, also calls you to serve with humility and impact,” he noted, urging the graduates to embrace the responsibility that comes with knowledge.

Echoing these sentiments, Prof. Ismail Ateya, Director of the Office of Faculty Affairs, reminded the graduates that their success had been carefully nurtured through deliberate institutional support.

“Throughout this journey, we had your best interests at heart. We built systems and structures to ensure your PhD journey was smooth and fulfilling,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of community and collaboration in academia, encouraging the new PhDs to remain connected to networks of research, innovation, and mentorship. “Team up with fellow researchers. Collaborate widely. Let’s make our society a better place together,” he concluded.

The graduates themselves were overflowing with gratitude for the University and their supervisors, acknowledging the pivotal role they played in shaping their academic journeys. They reflected on the long hours, moments of doubt, and intellectual hurdles that were made bearable by the consistent support, encouragement, and scholarly guidance they received.

As the nation and the world continue to face intersecting challenges, from climate change to public health, economic inclusion, and social resilience, Strathmore’s PhD graduates are answering the call. Their research will continue to shape conversations in boardrooms, policy circles, academic journals, and local communities.

Article written by Stephen Wakhu.