After all those sleepless nights, endless assignments, and those moments you thought you’d just throw in the towel, you’re now officially a graduate. Congratulations are in order, no doubt! But now comes the next big thing—your graduation event.
You want to celebrate this milestone with your family and friends. And I’m not talking about a long day in the sun on Kenyatta University’s graduation grounds. It needs to be a party!
But don’t want it to be just another ordinary party. You want it to stand out, to be memorable, to have that wow factor without breaking the bank or turning it into a Hollywood premiere.
Photo by Baim Hanif on Unsplash
Planning a graduation ceremony can be a bit tricky when you’re trying to balance between making it unique and keeping it simple. You don’t want it to be too flashy or over-the-top, but at the same time, you want it to pop, to have those little details that make your guests go, “Ate and left no crumbs.”
Luckily, there are so many ways to make your graduation event stand out without stressing your wallet. From creative decor ideas to personalized touches that scream you, this article is here to give you 10 practical ideas to make your day unforgettable.
By the time you’re done, you’ll have all the inspiration you need to throw an event that’s fit for a Nairobi University graduate.
Make Your Graduation Event Stand Out with 10 Easy Ideas
Photo by Brett Garwood on Unsplash
So, you’ve got your graduation event coming up, and you’re looking for ways to make it unforgettable without going overboard? We’ve got you! Here are 10 simple yet brilliant ideas to make your graduation ceremony in Kenya pop and leave your guests talking about it for weeks.
1. Create a Photo Booth
Who doesn’t love a good photo booth? It’s a fun way to capture memories and keep your guests entertained. Instead of renting an expensive one, create your own! Use a simple backdrop like that colorful bedsheet you thrifted from Gikomba or a self-decorated wall using supplies from Panda Mart.
Then, make handmade props like graduation caps, glasses, and signs with funny quotes. You can use cardboard, paint, and sticks to create these. Set aside a day to browse China Square’s stationery aisle, you’ll find everything!
Plus, add some quirky items like oversized sunglasses or fake mustaches for extra fun. Your guests will love snapping pics, and you’ll have amazing memories to look back on.
2. Life Advice Jar
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This one is both thoughtful and entertaining. Set up a “Life Advice Jar” where guests can drop handwritten notes with advice, funny stories, or motivational messages for the graduate. All you need is a jar (you can find many affordable glass jar vendors near Odeon Cinema on Latema Road in the evenings), some small pieces of paper or sticky notes, and pens.
Place it in a visible spot with a sign like, “Share Your Wisdom for the Graduate!” Not only will this make your graduation event unique, but you’ll also walk away with a treasure trove of life lessons and laughs. It’s simple, personal, and totally free!
3. Graduation-Themed Games
Spice up your graduation ceremony with some fun games that everyone can enjoy. Think of games like “Who Knows the Graduate Best?” where guests answer random or themed questions about the graduate.
Or, you can have a trivia game about your school journey (chekechea to KU), like picking out the fake unit from a list of units the graduate studied. These games are easy to organize, cost almost nothing, and will keep your guests laughing and engaged. Plus, they add a personal touch to your celebration.
4. Chalk Wall
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Turn a plain wall into a masterpiece at your graduation event! Use a chalkboard or even a section of your wall for this interactive decor. Provide colorful chalk (available at your local Naivas/Quickmart) and let your guests write congratulatory messages, share funny memories, or draw doodles.
It’s interactive, creative, and doubles as a keepsake for you. Imagine looking back at all the love and laughter shared on that wall! Plus, it’s a great way to involve everyone, from kids to adults, in making your day special.
5. Bounce House
Who said bounce houses are just for kids? Adding a bounce house to your graduation event is a sure way to keep the little ones entertained while giving the adults a chance to relive their childhood.
It’s affordable to rent one for a a day, and trust me, it’s worth every coin (about Ksh.7000). Plus, don’t be shy to join in—your graduation ceremony is all about celebrating, and what better way to do it than bouncing around like you’re 10 again? It’s fun, unexpected, and will definitely make your event stand out.
6. Slideshow of School Memories
Photo by Carli Jeen on Unsplash
Take your guests on a nostalgic journey with a slideshow of your school memories. Gather photos from your first day of baby class, graduation day, and everything in between. Add some captions or funny comments to make it more engaging.
You can project it on a wall (TikTok shops in Kenya have lots of mini projectors affordably) or TV screen during the event. This simple yet heartfelt addition will make your graduation ceremony in Kenya feel personal and unique. Plus, it’s a great way to reflect on how far you’ve come and share those special moments with your loved ones.
7. Give It a Theme
Themes make everything more fun! Give your graduation event a theme that reflects your journey. For example, you could go with a “Student-Teacher” theme where guests dress as either. Or, if you started school in the 90s, throw it back to that simpler time.
You can even base it on your profession—like a “Future Doctor” or “Engineer” theme where people dress as such.
Decor, food, and activities can all tie into the theme, making your celebration cohesive and memorable. It’s an easy way to make your Kenyan graduation ceremony stand out without spending too much.
8. Karaoke Session
Photo by Paul Esch-Laurent on Unsplash
What’s a celebration without some music and laughter? Set up a karaoke station at your graduation event and let your guests show off their singing skills (or lack thereof!). Create a playlist with everyone’s favorite songs, from Kenyan classics to the latest hits.
Don’t forget to include the tunes (Nursery rhymes) or songs that remind you of your journey. Karaoke is a great way to break the ice, get everyone involved, and create hilarious memories. Plus, it’s cheap to organize—just grab a mic, a speaker (both affordable from China Square), and a screen for lyrics, and you’re good to go!
9. Memory Box
Set up a memory box where guests can drop notes sharing their favorite memories with you, pictures, or just funny stories. All you need is a box (you can find affordable storage boxes at Panda Mart) some paper, and pens. Place it in a visible spot with a sign like, “Share Your Favorite Memory with the Graduate!”
This simple yet thoughtful addition will make your graduation ceremony in Kenya feel personal and heartfelt. Plus, you’ll have a beautiful collection of messages to read later.
10. Food Stations with a Twist
Photo by Viraj Sawant on Unsplash
Food is a big deal at any event, so why not make it fun? Set up food stations that match your theme or add a creative twist. For example, have a “Chapati Roll Buffet” where guests can make their own chapati rolls, like you used to in school.
Additionally, you could setup some of your favorite snacks when you were in school and label them with fun names related to your school journey, like “Late-Night Exam Snacks” or “Cafeteria Special.” This will make your graduation event feel unique and keep your guests talking about the food long after the party ends.
Make Your Graduation Unforgettable!
And there you have it, folks! Planning a graduation event doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive.
With these tips, you can throw a celebration that’s simple, unique, and totally you. Keep it real, keep it simple, and most importantly, enjoy every moment with your loved ones.
