Friday, May 9, The University of Nairobi honored its brightest minds during the Annual Students’ Awards and Recognition Ceremony. Among the stars of the day were 67 students from the Faculty of Engineering, celebrated for their academic brilliance, research, innovation, leadership, and creative talents. It was a defining moment — not just for the recipients, but for a faculty known for shaping the next generation of problem-solvers and change makers.
The celebration brought together the university’s best and brightest 721 students across all ten faculties and the Kisumu and Mombasa campuses. A total of 67 engineering students walked away with top honors. These included awards for academic excellence, research, innovation, talent, and leadership.
Among the top awardees was Arunga Sandra Awuor, who emerged as the Best Overall Final Year Student in the Faculty. Her stellar academic performance and leadership earned her three major awards: the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi Trustee Fund, the University of Nairobi Alumni Association Prize, and the Prof. Peter Mbithi & Family Prize.
In the research category, Ngei Urbabus Mwanzia and Joel Kitheka Mwithui stood out for their quality publications and contributions to knowledge in engineering. Talent was also on full display. Britney W. Gitura was recognized for her singing, Criticos Onyango for drumming, and Aroh Bett for his spoken word performance. These awards celebrated the fact that engineering students are not only brilliant in the lab but also vibrant in creative expression.
Leadership awards went to Hillary Okode, Rocha Johari, and Jewel Antonette — young leaders who have demonstrated initiative and service within the faculty and beyond. Their recognition underscores the university’s commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only technically skilled but socially responsible.
The awards were made possible through the generous support of over 100 donors, who contributed a total of KES 2.645 million. Notable awards included the Accurate Steel Mills Award, BOC Gases Kenya Award, Dr. Eddah Gachukia Science Prize, Isuzu East Africa Ltd Prize, Davis and Shirtliff Prize, Institute of Engineers of Kenya Prize, and the Eng. Carey Orege Civil Engineering Award.
Speaking during the event, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Francis Mulaa emphasized that the recognition ceremony goes beyond academics. “We are recognizing excellence in leadership, innovation, volunteerism, and sports. These students represent the true spirit of UoN,” he said, calling on more alumni and industry partners to support the university’s efforts.
Prof. Winnie Kamau, who spoke on behalf of Acting DVC Academic Affairs Prof. Eng. Ayub Gitau, echoed these sentiments. “This is not just a ceremony. It’s a show of the kind of students we are shaping – skilled, creative, and socially responsible,” she said.
On behalf of the donors, Mrs. Margaret Njoroge encouraged students to remain focused, even when the journey gets tough. “Don’t lose sight of your goals. We celebrate your hard work. For those not awarded today, there’s always room to improve,” she said.
With the continued support of long-time partners such as the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi Fund — which sponsors students to the tune of KES 10 million annually — and the encouragement of faculty and industry mentors, the Faculty of Engineering continues to set a high standard in academic and holistic excellence.
The ceremony reaffirmed the university’s commitment to rewarding excellence and encouraging a strong culture of performance and service among students.
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