2026 Students Recognition And Awards Ceremony
The University of Nairobi held a vibrant Student Recognition Ceremony celebrating excellence, resilience, leadership, innovation, and talent among its students.
The event brought together university leaders, faculty members, donors, parents, and students in a powerful affirmation of the institution’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded graduates prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.
Welcoming attendees to the ceremony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Ayub Gitau, described the occasion as a celebration not only of academic achievement but also of the diverse talents students possess in sports, creativity, leadership, volunteerism, and service.
Prof. Gitau also highlighted the University’s preparations for the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework, which will provide pathways in arts and sports, social sciences, and STEM disciplines, with the first cohort expected in 2029. He commended students for their resilience, discipline, and passion, while recognizing the unwavering support of families, mentors, coaches, and staff.
Speaking on behalf of partners, Joshua Maina from BOC Kenya Limited (BOC Gases), congratulated the award-winning students for their dedication and sacrifice in pursuit of excellence. He noted that BOC sponsors awards for the best first-year postgraduate student in Anesthesiology, the best second-year postgraduate student in Master of Medicine, and the best final-year student in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
Maina explained that the company’s partnership with the University aligns with its science-based operations, which transform theories taught in classrooms into practical applications in medicine, renewable energy, food preservation, and industrial processes. He encouraged students, especially those in STEM fields, not to limit their career ambitions, citing his own experience as an engineer working successfully in sales and highlighting professionals from diverse scientific backgrounds thriving in different roles within BOC.
Joy Muthoni Mwaniki, Bachelor of Architecture graduate and valedictorian of the class of 2025, congratulated the award recipients for choosing persistence and excellence despite challenges along the way. She encouraged students to maintain faith during difficult moments and to always strive to do their best for personal fulfillment rather than external validation. Mwaniki reminded students that achievement requires sacrifice, consistency, and effort, urging them to appreciate every stage of their academic journeys because those experiences shape character and resilience. As graduates transition into the next chapter of life, she advised them to build strong professional networks, seek mentorship, pursue opportunities globally, and remain courageous enough to create their own paths. She also encouraged graduates to live purposeful and joyful lives while remembering God in all their endeavors.
In her address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret J. Hutchinson extended heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients, praising their discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
She announced that a total of 736 students were recognized during the ceremony, supported by 108 University Prize donors across the University’s ten faculties, contributing Ksh. 2,654,500 in cash prizes.
Prof. Hutchinson described the generosity of the donors as a strong vote of confidence in the students and in the future the University is building.
“This ceremony is a powerful reminder of the importance of merit in our society,” she said. “Awards are more than accolades; they are affirmations of effort, consistency, and purpose.” Quoting Susan M. Heathfield, she noted that recognition is never exhausted and that even simple acts of appreciation and certificates can have a profound impact. She emphasized that while some students would receive monetary rewards and others certificates of recognition, the true value of recognition lies in the spirit behind it rather than the financial reward itself.
Prof. Hutchinson reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to building a culture where hard work, discipline, creativity, innovation, and merit are intentionally recognized and rewarded. She thanked donors for fostering a culture of giving back and encouraged future graduates to become sponsors, mentors, and champions of excellence. She also appreciated faculty and staff for their dedication in shaping students beyond academics and urged students to continue striving, innovating, and leading with integrity.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Human Resource and Administration), Prof. John Mande, paid tribute to parents for their sacrifices and commitment in supporting students throughout their academic journeys and thanked donors for their continued generosity through trophies, financial awards, and mentorship support.
The ceremony concluded on a celebratory note, with students leaving inspired to continue pursuing excellence, leadership, innovation, and service as ambassadors of the University of Nairobi.
