Nairobi, Kenya, UoN February 27th, 2026

In a resounding celebration of pedagogical excellence and pioneering research, the Faculty of Education emerged as a key highlight of the University of Nairobi’s FY 2024/2025 Staff Recognition Awards and FY 2025/2026 Performance Contract Signing Ceremony, held on February 26, 2026, at Taifa Hall.

Presiding over the ceremony, Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha, Chair of the University Council, emphasized that excellence in public service is an obligation anchored in statute and policy. He noted that the signing of the FY 2025/2026 Performance Contract is a "legally and administratively binding commitment" that translates institutional aspirations into quantifiable deliverables.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson speech read by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Mande, Human Resource and Administration, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that after two decades of performance contracting, the focus in 2026 is strictly on "demonstrating results". She reported measurable improvements in the FY 2024/2025 cycle, specifically in the timeliness of submissions, quality of verifiable evidence, and the alignment of targets with approved budgets.

The Faculty of Education secured a top-tier finish in the Individual Innovation and Creativity category, with Prof. Naomi Mwangi clinching 3rd Place. Her groundbreaking innovation, Sheriapal, was lauded for its significant impact and maturity.

Prof. Mwangi’s achievement is underscored by: Registered Intellectual Property (IP): Ensuring the legal protection of her creative work. Award-Winning Excellence: Sheriapal previously won a prestigious award during the Nairobi Innovation Week (NIW) 2024 and Commercial Viability: The innovation has been officially launched for commercialization, bridging the gap between academic research and market-ready solutions.

In the realm of teaching and student mentorship, Prof. Rosemary Imonje brought further glory to the Faculty by taking 3rd Place in the Lecturer of the Year Award.

With an extraordinary score of 99%, Prof. Imonje was recognized for her unwavering dedication to academic excellence and her profound impact on the student body. Her performance places her among the very best educators across the entire university, serving as a testament to the high standards of instruction within the Faculty of Education.

The Faculty of Education was further represented in the Staff Performance Appraisal Awards, where several members achieved Exemplary ratings for their work during the fiscal year. These individual accolades contribute to the Faculty's overall mission of fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Ayub Gitau, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), who reminded the congregation that while recognition is selective, institutional success is collective. He acknowledged partners such as Sanlo Limited, Nation Media Group, and Stanbic Bank Kenya for their support of the ceremony.

As the University of Nairobi transitions into the FY 2025/2026 Performance Contract cycle, these wins serve as a powerful inspiration. The Faculty of Education continues to prove that it is not only a center for learning but a hub of innovation that addresses real-world challenges while shaping the next generation of leaders.