The summer and winter of the year 2023 saw a number of KCK Members achieve great milestones in their academic journey in the Republic of Korea. A number of Kenyans graduated from universities across the country with degrees in various fields.

Those who graduated in 2023 include:

1. SHEM OTOI ONYANGO- Jeju National University- Fisheries (Navigation)

Thesis Title: Cost Sensitive Learning in Estimation of Anchor Dragging Risk for a Vessel at Anchor.

2. JANET NJERI KAMAU- Korea Nazarene University- TESOL

Thesis Title: The Role of Integrating Educational Media into English Teaching in an ESL Context: Listening and Speaking Skills.

3. KIPLETING E. SEUREI-Hanshin University-Studies in Ecumenism and Social Transformation.

Thesis Title: The Role and Significance of Mission and Evangelism to Rural-Urban Migrant Youths in the Global Post Covid-19 Pandemic, in Kenya.

4. CATHERINE KATHAMBI KANJI- Seoul National University- M.Sc. Engineering, Technology management Economics and Policy.

5. KEVIN KYALO KASYOKA- Seoul National University- M.Sc. Engineering, Technology management Economics and Policy.

Thesis Title: Techno economic analysis of geothermal hydrogen generation in Kenya.

6. ABDIRAHIM BUTHUL SHURIE- HANSEO UNIVERSITY- AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

7. IRUNGU RUTH WANJIRU- Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SEOULTECH) – Sports Science.

Thesis Title: The Experience of Acculturative Stress and Coping Strategies for the African International Students in South Korea: The Role of Leisure.

Your journey has not been without its challenges. You have faced rigorous academic demands, late nights of studying, and the occasional setback. You persisted despite everything. You have shown resilience in the face of adversity, determination in the pursuit of your goals, and unwavering belief in your abilities.

As you move on to the next phase of your lives, some of you plan to further your studies, and some of you are entering the world of work. Whatever you do, you must remember the invaluable lessons you have learned during your stay in Korea. You must keep in mind that success is determined by how positively we affect other people’s lives. Let’s keep in mind that failure is only a stepping stone on the road to success and that the greatest lessons frequently lie outside of our comfort zones. You are not just valedictorians; you are leaders; and change-makers. You must be proud of who you are, you are graduates of esteemed Korean universities, people who can contribute significantly to today’s ever-changing world. Let’s keep the virtues of honesty, and perseverance with us. It is your responsibility to bring about positive change in the world by effectively applying your skill sets, making not only yourselves but your families and Kenya proud.

Last but not least, I hope that your experience from studying abroad will open your eyes, ears, and hearts wider to understand the world, to respect people despite the gender and origin, and to be wise and responsible leaders for the future. Once more, Congratulations and all the best in your endeavors.

Francis Wyckliffe- President, KCK.