Kabarak University has once again taken the national spotlight after achieving a historic victory at the 2025 Company of the Year Awards (COYA), organised under the prestigious seal of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).

In a ceremony marked by high competition among leading corporate giants and industry captains, Kabarak University emerged as a top performer, with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat,  being crowned the Overall CEO of the Year in Leadership and Emotional Intelligence — one of the most coveted and highly competitive honours of the night.

The CEO of the Year — Leadership & Emotional Intelligence award is reserved for transformative leaders who demonstrate exemplary vision, people-centered management, strategic governance, and a measurable impact on institutional performance.

Winning this title in a field that included celebrated CEOs from national corporations, multinational companies, and leading service giants underscores one crucial truth:

Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat’s leadership has established Kabarak University as one of the most efficiently governed and high-performing institutions in the country.

Under his leadership, Kabarak University has continued to thrive through:

• Strengthened governance and operational efficiency
• Strategic human resource development anchored in succession planning, staff empowerment, and mentoring
• Ethical and emotionally intelligent leadership that fosters teamwork and excellence
• Innovation and ICT integration across academic, administrative, and research functions
• A values-based corporate culture rooted in integrity and service to God and humanity

The judges evaluated organizations using the Organizational Performance Index (OPI) assessment framework, analysing structures and outcomes across leadership, people management, financial management, innovation, sustainability, and customer experience. In every area, Kabarak University excelled.

A Double Win for Kabarak University

Beyond the VC’s personal honour, Kabarak University also received the Human Resources Management COYA Award 2025, recognising the institution’s outstanding performance in:

• Employee engagement and learning
• Transparent surveys and appraisals
• ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management systems
• Competitive remuneration and employee welfare
• Business continuity and talent development

This award highlights Kabarak University as a people-centered institution — where staff excellence drives institutional excellence.

The COYA victory adds to an extraordinary series of institutional achievements that have defined 2025 as one of the most successful years in our history:

1. East African Regional Quality Awards – Overall Company of the Year (Large Enterprise)

Kabarak University topped the region after taking the crown at the 2025 EAC Regional Quality Awards, held at the Weston Hotel, Nairobi.
The University also secured the 2nd Runners-Up position in the Service of the Year – Large Enterprises Category, proudly placing Kabarak among the most distinguished institutions in East Africa.

2. Kenya Quality Awards (KQA) – National Champions

Before progressing to the regional stage, Kabarak had dominated the Kenya Quality Awards, winning:

• Company of the Year (Large Enterprises)
• Service of the Year (Private – Large Enterprises)

These victories earned the University the honour of representing Kenya at the regional level.

3. Employer of the Year Awards (EYA) – Leadership Category Champion

Kabarak University also celebrated national recognition after emerging:

• Winner in the Leadership & Governance Category
• Overall 2nd Runners Up Employer in Kenya

Presented by the Federation of Kenya Employers, the EYA awards celebrate institutions that prioritize leadership excellence, people development and workplace culture — principles that define Kabarak.

4. Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) — Top National Awards

Just weeks earlier, Kabarak University had also been named:

• Company of the Year (Large Enterprises) – Overall Winner
• Service of the Year Winner

This recognition cemented Kabarak’s reputation for quality, continuous improvement, and strategic governance.

Across all these independent award bodies  (KIM, KEBS, FKE and EAC) one message is consistent: Kabarak University does not excel by chance. Kabarak excels by culture.

Whether measured in:

• Leadership and governance
• Human resource excellence
• Operational performance
• Innovation and ICT
• Customer experience
• Sustainability and ethical management

Kabarak University has consistently ranked among the highest-performing institutions in the country and the region.

As we reflect on this year of remarkable milestones, we acknowledge — above all — God’s faithfulness, the hard work of our staff, and the visionary leadership of our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat. His award as Overall CEO of the Year in Leadership & Emotional Intelligence is not just an individual win, it is a symbol of what inspired, ethical, and compassionate leadership can achieve.

Today, we celebrate.
Tomorrow, we build even higher.

Kabarak University — Excellence. Always.