Excellence in Research, Innovation and Enterprise took centre stage at the University’s Staff Recognition Awards Ceremony, celebrated on Thursday 26 February 2026, as outstanding scholars and innovators were honoured.
Prof. Mbuge Duncan Onyango of the Faculty of Engineering receiving his award alongside the deputy vice-chancellors Prof. Leonidah Kerubo, Prof. John Demesi Mande, and the Dean Eng. Prof. Siphila Wanjiku Mumenya faculty of Engineering
The presence of the university’s top management led by the Chair of Council Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha highlighted its importance. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Margaret Hutchinson, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Human Resource and Administration, Prof. John Mande. Also present to take part in the event were the DVC Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE), Prof. Leonidah Kerubo; DVC Academic Affairs, Prof. Ayub Gitau; and DVC Finance, Planning, and Development Prof. Jackson Maalu alongside faculty members and university staff.
The awards for Best Researcher, Innovation and Creativity, Community Service, Resource Mobilisation, and Global Recognition reflect the University’s strategic commitment to advancing impactful research, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing global competitiveness. The DVC (RIE) Prof. Leonidah Kerubo presented awards to the winners in these categories.
The Best Researcher Award celebrated individuals for their distinguished scholarship and contribution to knowledge through publications that continue to influence policy, practice, and academic thought. The top awardees were Prof. Muthomi Mathai of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr Joshua Onono of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, and Prof. Mbuge Duncan Onyango of the Faculty of Engineering who published at least 20 research papers during the 2024/25 period of the award.
In Innovation and Creativity, the RIE Division nominated those who effectively translated ideas into practical solutions, thus reinforcing the University’s drive toward commercialisation and enterprise development. At the faculty level, the Faculty of Law emerged as the winner.
The individual awardees under the innovation and creativity were Dr Michael Ndwiga of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) for his Peekgrow Foliar Fertilizer innovation; Dr Duke Gekonge of Faculty of Agriculture known for the popular Pera Foods enterprise specializing in guava fruit and sea weed products; and Prof. Naomi Mwangi of the Faculty of Education for the recently launched Sheriapal App.
The Community Service Award honoured outstanding individuals for extending research beyond the University walls through meaningful engagement and outreach initiatives that directly benefit society. The winners were Dr Juliana Cheboi of Faculty of Agriculture, Dr Grace Oyaro of Faculty of Engineering, and Prof. Lilac Osanjo of the Faculty of Built Environment and Design.
Meanwhile, the Resource Mobilisation Award for exceptional leadership in securing competitive grants and building strategic partnerships that sustain research growth. The winners were Dr. Loise Achieng Ombajo and Prof.Thumbi Mwangi of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Prof. Maina Wagacha from Faculty of Science and Technology. Prof. Wagacha is also the Director of Innovation and Intellectual Property Management in the RIE Division.
The Global Standing Award celebrated Prof. Kariuki Muigua and Prof. Attiya Waris of the Faculty of Law. The Dean of Students, Mr Johnson Kinyua, also received this special recognition award for elevating the University’s international reputation through high-impact collaborations and distinguished service.
Celebrating these achievements is expected to add momentum to the RIE Division’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant research, innovation and commercialisation ecosystem for greater societal impact.
The Chair of Council Prof. Chacha-Nyaigoti Chacha attended the function alongside the deputy vice-chancellors Prof. John Demesi Mande, who also represented the vice-chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, Prof. Ayub Gitau, Prof. John Maalu.