Kabarak University continues to stand tall in Kenya’s innovation journey after its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat, was named among eleven Vice-Chancellors honoured for championing student-led innovations in universities across the country. The recognition, presented by the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Kiptarus Koskei, EGH, during the ongoing CEIL Summit 2025 in Mombasa, was conferred by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA).
The award placed Prof. Kiplangat alongside other visionary Vice-Chancellors, including Prof. Margaret Hutchinson (University of Nairobi), Prof. Laban Ayiro (Daystar University), Prof. Robert Gateru (Riara University), Prof. Peninah Aloo Obudho (Maasai Mara University), Prof. Peter Muchiri (Dedan Kimathi University), Prof. James Kahindi (Pwani University), Prof. Romanus Odhiambo (Meru University), Prof. Isaiah Wakindiki (KCA University), Prof. Njenga Munene (Zetech University), and Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi (USIU-Africa). This diverse representation underscores a national commitment, spanning both public and private institutions, to embed innovation at the heart of higher education.
This honour underscores Kabarak University’s unwavering commitment to nurturing creativity and entrepreneurship among its students. By establishing innovation clubs and offering mentorship, the University has created an enabling environment where students can transform ideas into impactful solutions for society. KeNIA noted that such student innovation clubs are now serving as bridges between academia and entrepreneurship, helping turn bright ideas into enterprises with real societal impact.
Prof. Kiplangat noted that while awards are significant, the true reward lies in witnessing students translate their ideas into real-world solutions that address pressing challenges. The accolade reflects Kabarak’s vision of being a hub where knowledge, creativity, and service converge to produce trailblazers for the nation and beyond.
Kabarak University remains steadfast in its mission to support innovation by expanding student engagement across faculties, enhancing access to mentorship and resources, and building partnerships that help commercialize innovations. Through platforms such as the Kenya Network of Entrepreneurial Institutions Leaders (KNEIL), where universities are co-designing strategies including needs assessments, resource mobilization, benchmarking best practices, and awareness campaigns, institutions like Kabarak continue to strengthen Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.
The recognition at the CEIL Summit 2025 is not only a celebration of past achievements but also a call to keep empowering students as Kenya marches towards a knowledge-driven economy.
