On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Kabarak University hosted its End-of-Year Staff Luncheon & Staff Commendation, Recognition, and Awards Ceremony. The event celebrated a year defined by unprecedented global rankings, national accolades, and the unwavering dedication of the Kabarak family.

The ceremony was graced by Dr. John Kibosia, Chairman of the University Governing Council, and Ms. Lydia J. Yator, Chair of the Governing Council Committee for Auditing, alongside members of the University Management Board.

In his keynote address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat reflected on a "year full of blessings." A primary highlight was the university’s ascent in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, where Kabarak was ranked as the top private university in Kenya and 5th best overall nationally.

The University also dominated the national stage, securing prestigious awards including:

• Overall Company of the Year (Large Enterprises) – KEBS Kenya Quality Awards.
• EAC Overall Company of the Year 2025.
• Winner: Leadership & Governance Category – FKE Employer of the Year Awards.

A crowning moment was the recognition of Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat as the Overall 2025 CEO of the Year by the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), honoring his distinguished leadership and emotional intelligence.

The Chair of the Commendations Committee emphasized that these awards are a practical demonstration of Kabarak’s commitment to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. The selection process was rigorous and evidence-based, relying on peer opinions and internal audits to honor those working "with all their heart, as working for the Lord" (Colossians 3:23).

University-Level Excellence

The 2025 awards celebrated those who translated strategy into results across all facets of university life:

1. Excellence in Leadership Award

• Winner: Dr. Edwin O. Akumu – Director, Quality Assurance & Institutional Planning
• 1st Runner-Up: Mr. Andrew Kiprop – Senior Administrative Assistant (Operations)

2. Dean of the Year

• Winner: Dr. Titus Suge – Dean, School of Pharmacy
• 1st Runner-Up: Dr. Bornes Mosonik – HoD, Education Sciences

3. Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award

• Winner: Dr. Thrizza Kiplagat – Lecturer, Clinical Pharmacy
• 1st Runner-Up: Mr. Evans Eric Ochieng’ – Lecturer, Mass Communication

4. Excellence in Research and Innovation Award

• Winner: Dr. Sarah Kadesa Vugigi – Senior Lecturer, Pharmaceutics
• 1st Runner-Up: Dr. Andrew Kipkebut – Lecturer, Computer Science / IT & Innovation Coordinator

5. Extra Mile Award (Main Campus)

• Winner: Ms. Joan Kimutai – Waitress, Catering Department

6. Extra Mile Award (Nakuru City Campus)

• Winner: Mr. Kennedy K. Korir – Computer Laboratory Technologist (ICT)

7. Customer Care Award

• Winner: Mr. Johana K. Keter – Assistant Technologist, KABU Online
• 1st Runner-Up: Mr. Dominic Cherop – Call Centre Operator, Marketing Department

8. Outstanding Christian and Community Service Award

• Winner: Rev. Laban Kittony – University Chaplain
• 1st Runner-Up: Mr. Evanson Githinji Kaniu – Music Assistant

9. Outstanding Innovation in Service Delivery Award

• Winner: Mr. Joshua Mutai – Lecturer, Department of Computer Science
• 1st Runner-Up: Ms. Diana Gichuki – Senior Administrative Assistant, Administration & Hostels

10. Employee of the Year Award

• Winner: Dr. Edwin O. Akumu – Director, Quality Assurance & Institutional Planning
• 1st Runner-Up: Mr. Andrew Kiprop – Senior Administrative Assistant (Operations)

11. School of the Year

• Winner: School of Pharmacy

12. Department / Section of the Year

• Winner: Transport Section

Departmental Champions

The University also recognised excellence across non-academic departments, celebrating outstanding service delivery and customer care. Departmental Customer Care Awards were presented to Mr. Speon Imbaya (Catering), Mr. David Kipngetich Kibii (Accommodation), Ms. Naomi Koech (Security and Safety), Mr. Mathew Ngetich (Operations – Farm), Mr. Sammy Kiptoo (Transport), Rev. Dr. Julius Langat (Student Affairs), Ms. Caroline Oluoch (University Library), Dr. Vesca Jebet (Medical Centre), Mr. Solomon Kiptiony (Finance, Audit and Procurement), Ms. Caroline Boinett (Admissions, Marketing, Exams and Timetabling), Mr. Oscah Gidei (Administrators), Mr. Kennedy Ngetich (Technicians), and Ms. Ruth Rerimoi (Human Resources and Registry). In addition, the Outstanding Christian and Community Service Award, open to both academic and non-teaching staff, was conferred upon Mr. Crispus Alukwe and Ms. Dorcas Chemjor in recognition of their exemplary service and commitment to community impact.

Academic departments were equally celebrated for excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Excellence in Teaching and Learning Awards were received by Dr. Ezra Ronoh (School of Business and Economics), Dr. Japheth Kigen (School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences), Mr. Harrison Mbori (School of Law), Mr. Evans Ochieng (School of Music and Media), Dr. Arthur Ngetich (School of Medicine and Health Sciences), Dr. Caroline Chepkirui (School of Science, Engineering and Technology), and Dr. Thrizza Kiplagat (School of Pharmacy). Meanwhile, Excellence in Research and Innovation Awards were presented to Dr. Nehemiah Kiplagat (School of Business and Economics), Rev. Dr. Elkana Cheboi (School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences), Dr. Phylis Waruguru (School of Medicine and Health Sciences), Mr. Amon Kirui (School of Music and Media), Dr. Sarah Kadesa Vugigi (School of Pharmacy), Dr. Andrew Kipkebut (School of Science, Engineering and Technology), and Prof. John Osogo Ambani (School of Law).

Kabarak University remains committed to staff development, celebrating 16 members who earned PhDs in 2025. Prioritizing staff welfare, the Vice-Chancellor announced a comprehensive salary adjustment set for January 2026 as a token of appreciation from the Governing Council for the dedication and resilience shown throughout the year.

As the university prepares for the January 2026 semester, the focus remains on the Refer-a-Student Programme and the launch of new CUE-approved programs in Data Science, Pharmacy, and Chemistry.

Dr. John Kibosia lauded the management for fostering a culture of accountability, upholding the vision of the founder, H.E. Daniel T. Moi, to be a world-class biblical Christian institution.

Kabarak University wishes all staff, students, and stakeholders a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026!