Saturday 13th January 2018

The board of Directors, Trustees, Distinguished Guests, Mentors, Facilitators, fellow

graduates, ladies, and gentlemen.

Graduations mark a time of reflection. It is a time in which we asses our strategic

imperatives and map our way forward. We ask ourselves: what have we learned?
What have we gained? Are we better equipped to handle life’s journey.
Having gone through the MbuguaRoseMary Foundation, I can confidently say the
program will go down in my life’s story as a life-changing event.

In order to put this into perspective, I will describe the foundation, and they work
they do in the model of a game of Chess. I got this inspiration when I remembered a
game that I had with a fellow graduate: Edwin Ngatia, in the course of the program.
Unknown to me, he was a master at the game and I took a thorough beating.

The Chess board has six types of pieces: Pawns, Rooks/Castles, Knights/Horses,
Bishops, A King and A Queen.

PAWNS:

Pawns form the majority of the Chess pieces. They have very limited options, in that
they can only move forward until they reach the other side of the board.
Nevertheless, they are the only pieces that can transform into any piece except the
King.

We as graduates are represented by Pawns. We have faced various limiting options.

The infrastructure for success is not at its peak. Many of us have encountered: a
stifling business environment that discourages enterprise and innovation,
debilitating bureaucracy, inaccessible funds or an outdated education system in
urgent need of reform among many other challenges. Nevertheless, if there’s anyone
with the power to transform our country and reshape our economic and social
trajectory, it is US. There is formidable power in our intellect and creativity. Our
talent and ingenuity are rare, and our resolve and determination against all odds can
drive great change. But most importantly, the greatest force is in our numbers. In
2018, there will be more young people aged under 30 than there will be aged over
50. Together, we have the potential to be the most influential bloc in this country.
The indescribable influence that we collectively wield is enough to make a much-
needed change. As the Season 3 group, we have worked together, stood together,
laughed, cried and encouraged each other to reach heights that we did not think were
possible. Thank you for making this journey a memorable one, and since each
business that is here has some uniqueness: either unique talent, unique product,
unique capacity on which they capitalize on, I wish you the very best in your
endeavors.

KNIGHTS/HORSES:

Knights are one of the most defining pieces in the set. They can move forward,
backward, left or right. From where they stand, they can move up to 8 different
positions. To cap it all, knights can skip any other pieces to reach their destination.

To our dear facilitators: Caroline, Joe, Emmanuel, and Emily, thank you for being
our knights. For all the effort and dedication in seeing us through the program, please
accept our sincerest gratitude. You make an invaluable addition to the
MbuguaRoseMary Foundation Team.

ROOKS/CASTLES:

The easiest way to describe the rook piece is the ‘Staright Piece’. It can move
forward, backward, left or right at any time, and it can move anywhere from 1 to 7
squares in any direction, so long as it is not obstructed by any other piece.
Through the course of the program, we have interacted with various professionals
who had been invited by the Foundation. These professionals have been our Castles
and we have drawn vast amounts of knowledge, which we have in turn used to
revitalize our businesses. The professionals, who are masters in their respective
fields, were drawn from various sectors, for example, the Legal sector to help us
with compliance and regulation, the Finance Sector to help us with Accounts and
book-keeping, the Marketing Sector to help us in building brands and reaching and
retaining clients.

KING:

This piece is the Game winner. It is used in attempts to gain advancement in the
game. It does not go riding across the Chess board like other pieces but it holds the
game together. For three seasons now, The Board of Trustees has empowered dozens
of entrepreneurs across the country. They have mobilized resources, scouted for
trainers and professionals and availed a conducive training venue for our Training
Sessions. In keeping the entrepreneurial spirit of Mbugua and RoseMary alive, these
individuals have gone above and beyond the call of duty and in turn impacted lives
which have in turn, directly and indirectly, impacted other lives. Ladies and
Gentlemen, please, let's give a round of applause to these benevolent individuals.

QUEEN:

The Queen Chess piece is a combination of the Castle, Bishop, King, and Pawn. It
is the most versatile piece on the board. For the role of Queen, ladies, and gentlemen,
I humbly request Mama Mbugua, Ambassador Catherine Mwangi, to accept this role
on behalf of all the Mothers, and Fathers. Queens are nurturing and protective and
put others above themselves.
Before I conclude, I would like to make special recognition to one individual who
has played the role of Castle, Knight, King, and Queen ever so graciously. She has
overseen our progress and helped us unlock our potential Ladies and Gentlemen, let
us give a well round of applause to Ms. Mary M’Mukindia.

In conclusion, there are three methods in which we may learn: First is by reflection,
second is by imitation and third is by experience. The MbuguaRosemary Foundation
has by far proven this true and a testimony of this is the young men and women
graduating today.

To the Pawns, may you never forget the great benefits that you have received in this
place. To the Castles, Knights, Kings & Queens, may you prosper and in time to
come, according to your means, do all that you can to enable others to enjoy the
same advantage.

Thank you very much.