By CTW Team

Dr. Manu Chandaria (OBE, CBS, EBS), Chancellor USIU-Africa, was awarded the first honorary degree from USIU-Africa during the 45th Commencement Ceremony held on Saturday, October 14 on campus.

During his speech at the ceremony which saw over 1200 students graduating, Dr. Chandaria emphasized the important role that the parents and guardians of the graduating class have played to see them to this successful point through their sacrifices and hard work. He encouraged the graduating class of 2023, pointing out that commitment and hard work to family, country, community are the key to success saying that everyone has a role to play to building successful communities and environment. He urged all participants to participate in social work and uplift and help those in need in the society.

Dr. Chandaria received a Doctor of Laws in recognition of his outstanding contributions to philanthropy, business, charitable endeavors, and peacebuilding efforts in Kenya and around the world. As the Chairman of Chandaria Foundation, Dr. Chandaria was instrumental in setting up the Chandaria School of Business at USIU-Africa, Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre at the Kenyatta University, Chandaria Centre for Performing Arts at the University of Nairobi.

Additionally, he championed setting up of Chandaria Accident and Emergency center and Day theatres at Nairobi Hospital, Chandaria Accident and Emergency center at Pandya Hospital Mombasa, Chandaria Medical Centre at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Chandaria MIHV Health Centre at Dagoretti Nairobi, Chandaria Mji Wa Huruma Clinic in Runda, Chandaria Bodi Health Centre, and Chandaria Bodi Maternity Wing Mabati Medical Centre at Mariakani.

He also helped set up Mabati Technical Institute at Mariakani, a dozen Chandaria Clinics in rural areas, Chandaria Cancer and Chronic Diseases Centre at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Chandaria Secondary School Scholarship for 130 students every year for the last 35 years, Chandaria University Scholarships for 30 students every year, Chandaria Bravery Awards to Police Force, Chandaria Workshop at Langata Women’s Prison, Chandaria Incubation and Business
Centre at the Kenya Methodist University, and Chandaria Jain Social Group Theatre for 800 people.

In 2022, Dr. Chandaria was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, in recognition of his innovative philanthropy and his contributions to society becoming the first Kenyan and Africa to receive the award.

Dr. Manu Chandaria support for social causes started in the 1950s and since then, he has built a legacy in philanthropy that very few wealthy Africans can match.