Sh6.4m award awaits MKU’s most impactful alumnus

BY LAWRENCE ONGARO

Mount Kenya University (MKU) Alumni Directorate has opened nominations for the MKU Alumni Award 2026, calling on the university’s alumni community in Kenya and across the diaspora to identify graduates whose work is making a meaningful difference in society.

The award seeks to recognise an alumnus who is changing lives, transforming communities or making an impact on the global stage.

The overall winner will receive USD50,000 (about Sh6.4 million) in recognition of their contribution to society.

Celebrating changemakers

According to MKU, the award is not simply a search for the most successful alumnus but seeks to celebrate graduates whose knowledge, skills and opportunities have been used to improve the lives of others.

The nominee could be a community champion changing lives at grassroots level, an entrepreneur creating employment, a professional excelling in their field, a public leader influencing policy or an innovator developing solutions to society’s challenges.

Some of the MKU students who graduated in August 2026. Photo/Courtesy

MKU alumni living and working in the diaspora are also eligible for nomination.

In addition to the cash prize, the winner will receive a certificate of recognition, while their name will be permanently inscribed on the MKU Alumni Wall of Honour.

The university said the nominee must be an MKU graduate with proven and sustainable contributions in a specific area of impact. They must also demonstrate integrity, professionalism and values consistent with the university’s mission.

The university said the nominee could be building a successful enterprise, making a difference through their profession, empowering others, championing innovation or giving back to the community.

However, MKU employees, members of the University Council, individuals with a conflict of interest, current MKU Alumni Association executive board members and previous annual alumni award winners are not eligible.

Nominations close September 30

MKU said the award provides an opportunity to recognise alumni making meaningful contributions in their communities, professions, businesses and society at large.

The university noted that while some changemakers are highly visible, others are doing extraordinary work away from the public spotlight.

Nominations opened on September 1, 2026, and will close on September 30. Applicants are required to submit a completed nomination form, the nominee’s CV and two reference letters. Only complete submissions will be considered.

The award will be presented to the winner during MKU’s 30th graduation ceremony scheduled for Friday, December 4, 2026.