Mount Kenya University (MKU) has broken new ground in alumni engagement by unveiling its Annual Alumni Awards, a flagship initiative designed to celebrate graduates who are making exceptional contributions in their fields and communities. With prizes of up to USD 50,000 (Sh6.4 million), the awards are among the most ambitious of their kind in the region.
The categories span professional excellence, public service and leadership, community service, global impact, and innovation and entrepreneurship. According to Ms. Virginiah Musawa, MKU’s Director of Alumni Relations, the awards are more than accolades. “They are a celebration of the spirit of possibility that this institution instills in its students from day one,” she said, adding that nominations are already open.
Ms. Musawa emphasized that MKU views alumni as central to its mission. “We believe that alumni are not just our past — they are our present and our future. Every initiative, every reunion, every award, every webinar is designed to honor that truth. Together, we are unlocking infinite possibilities,” she said.
MKU has become a pacesetter in alumni engagement through a holistic strategy that blends recognition with ongoing support. Beyond awards, the university runs regular webinars led by industry leaders, faculty, and alumni to offer mentorship, networking, and skills development. Topics range from digital-age leadership to wellness in high-performance careers. “True to our motto—Engage, Empower, Evolve—these webinars are launchpads for growth and lifelong connection,” noted Musawa.
Last month, MKU hosted its first Champions Region Alumni Reunion in Eldoret, drawing graduates from Eldoret Campus and Kitale Centre. Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi lauded the gathering as the beginning of a more intentional alumni community. “You are champions of your fields, of change, and of the values MKU holds dear: integrity, responsibility, excellence, teamwork, inclusivity, and innovation,” he said.
Prof. Jaganyi highlighted the potential of MKU’s 100,000-strong global alumni network, urging members to mentor current students, provide internships and job placements, and contribute to scholarships and research. “By giving back, you empower others to succeed and ensure our university remains a hub of innovation, learning and opportunity,” he said.
Dr. Emily Kirwok, Director of MKU Eldoret Campus and Chair of the Champions Cluster, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of alumni in mentoring and opening doors for students.
Keynote speaker Ms. Mercy Wanjiru, Regional Coordinator of the Kenya Private Schools Association (North Rift) and an MKU graduate, described the reunion as “a coming home, a celebration of who we were, who we’ve become, and who we’re yet to be.” She credited MKU with shaping her professional journey and called on fellow alumni to support mentorship and internship initiatives.
The event was also graced by Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii (represented by County Attorney Mr. Silvester Metto), former MKU Council Chairman Prof. David Serem, and other dignitaries who praised the alumni’s loyalty and their role as ambassadors of the institution.
By pairing recognition with active engagement, MKU is redefining alumni relations in East Africa. As Prof. Jaganyi put it, the university’s alumni are not only success stories but also powerful agents of change whose impact will be felt for generations.
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