Head of Public Service Felix Koskei bags third UoN degree, eyes PhD next

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei with University of Nairobi Chancellor Prof. Patrick Verkooijen and Vice Chancellor Prof. Hutchinson Jesang on September 19, 2025/X

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei added another academic milestone on Friday, earning a Master of Science in Zoology (Agricultural Entomology) during the University of Nairobi’s 73rd graduation ceremony.

Koskei, who previously graduated from UoN with a Bachelor of Science in 1990 and an MBA in 2004, hailed the new degree as a “worthy choice,” underscoring his continued commitment to lifelong learning.

He credited discipline, persistence, and the support of family and colleagues for his success.

“Balancing the demands of public service with academic pursuit has required discipline and persistence, complemented by the support of family, friends, and colleagues,” he said, quoting Nelson Mandela’s famous words that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

He also announced plans to pursue a PhD, “by God’s grace.”

The milestone came during a ceremony in which the university conferred a total of 3,836 degrees and diplomas.

This includes 85 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, one fellowship, 461 master’s, 3,029 bachelor’s, 23 postgraduate diplomas, and 63 diplomas. 

Among them were 304 graduands from Koitaleel Samoei University College.

Elkana Jacob, a former journalist with The Star known for his work in investigations, crime, and entertainment, also graduated with a Master’s in Criminology. He is now planning to pursue a PhD at the same university.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei with journalist Elkana Jacobs during UoN graduation ceremony on September 19, 2025/ENOS TECHE 

Addressing the graduands, Vice Chancellor Prof. Hutchinson Jesang congratulated the Class of 2025 for their resilience and determination through years of academic challenges.

"Each one of you, as you stand with your loved ones during your graduation, has a story to tell. Your presence here today is indeed a testament to resilience, growth, and triumph among challenges that possibly seemed insurmountable at the time,” he said.

Chancellor Prof. Patrick Verkooijen challenged the graduates to merge knowledge with practical enterprise, underscoring that the future belongs to those who connect academia with innovation. 

"Innovation today is not only about ideas. It is about jobs, livelihoods, and dignity,” he said.

Prof. Verkooijen also cited innovations by students in food security, transport, and post-harvest loss reduction, praising them as examples of how academia can contribute directly to solving societal challenges.

In a special mention, the Chancellor lauded Koskei’s achievement, noting that he epitomises the link between scholarship and public service.

 “The Head of Public Service of this great nation, Mr Felix Koskei, also graduated with his Master’s degree from this very university today. He is proof that the world of action and the world of learning are inseparable. At UoN, eternal learning meets national service.