A Unified Vision for Transformation: UoN Annual Staff Recognition and Awards Ceremony
‘Only united will we succeed in taking forward the challenge of transformation,’ announced the Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Veerkoijen at a packed Chandaria Auditorium on February 10, 2025. The congregation had gathered for the Annual Staff Recognition Awards Ceremony.
The Chancellor also announced reform agenda in the next 24 months, ‘This will be a 24-month shot in the arm. What t is success? UoN back at the top of all universities in Africa within 2-years. The reform agenda will cover eight key areas: - Strengthening governance, management and research and learning, eradicating debt and legal risks, optimizing our asset base, transparently, Enhancing core university services: housing, transport, digital, and others, Mobilizing external resources at scale. This transformation will take all of us.'
The significant occasion held annually celebrates outstanding staff contributions through the Performance Contracting results, the Staff Performance Appraisal, contribution in Teaching and Learning, research and Community Service. This year, contributions to Innovations were also recognized.
Faculty of Health Sciences emerged the best Faculty in the released PC 2023/2024 results, followed by Faculty of Engineering at no. 2 and Faculty of Agriculture at no. 3
In the Teaching Departments, the Top 3 Departments were, Department of Food Science, Department of Medical Microbiology and Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Overall, the Best 3 Central Performing Units/Directorates, were, Information, Communication and Technology Centre (ICT), Directorate of Internal Audit and the Directorate of Corporate Affairs.
The Department of Food Science won best overall in Performance Contract results 2023/2024.
The Best 3 Researchers recognized were Prof. Daniel Olago, Prof. Walter Jaoko and Prof. Salome Bukachi.
The Best Lecturer of the year, Prof. Loise Wambui Gichuhi, Faculty of Education, Dr. Sammy Mulei Musyoka, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dalton Wamalwa, Faculty of Health Sciences.
The Vice-Chancellor came up with special categories in line with the Strategic Plan 2023-2027, Under Innovation and Creativity Category, Prof. Sylvia Opanga, Prof. Lilac Osanjo and Prof. Peter Akuon were recognized.
Under Global Recognition, Prof. Loice Ombajo from the Faculty of Health Sciences was recognized.
Under Resource Mobilization in Infrastructure, the Department of Advancement and Institutional Development.
In Industry- Academia Linkage, Prof. Wang, Confucius Institute Director, Prof. Marc Zolver, Visiting Professor from France, Dr. Fred Bukachi, Director ARUA and Dr. Ann Kamanu, Deputy Director, ARUA were recognized for their contribution.
In Core Values, Gladys Chepkorir, Vice Chancellor’s office was recognized for her efforts.
While Awarding the outstanding UoN staff, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, the Chair of the University Council, addressed challenges that were facing the institution, including declining student enrollment and research output. He reiterated that the Performance Contracting process was important in ensuring improved productivity of the university against such challenges. "The Council has noted with concern that the university's productivity is on a downward trend. Performance management tools like Performance Contracts are critical in enhancing productivity, improving our ranking and restoring our reputation," he said.
Prof. Jesang Hutchinson, Vice-Chancellor Ag, took to the floor, touching on the progress that the institution is making. She pointed out the key role that staff have played in the success and urged them to keep working harder. "Today, we are here not just to issue awards but to celebrate the spirit of dedication, collaboration, and excellence that defines the University of Nairobi," she said.
She noted that the institution is seeking better ways to recognize each unique contribution that the
She also congratulated the university on behalf of the Chancellor, citing a marked improvement in performance evaluation compared to the previous year: "This marks a significant improvement compared to the 2022/2023 performance where only four units achieved the 'Excellent' grade."
The Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Brian Ouma analysed the achievements across the University in terms of Gender and announced that more women than men were recognized. He made it clear that these were collective achievements, not individual ones." As we gather together on this historic occasion, it is fitting to reflect upon the previous year and all the wonderful things it brought our way. Collectively, we continued to enhance the stature of the university through demonstrated academic excellence, exciting research, and meaningful community engagement.”
The ceremony was completed with the well-deserved awards being distributed to the winners whose achievement stood as a beaming reflection of the university's commitment towards excellence, research, innovation, and community outreach. This was in remembrance the magic that comes about by collaboration, the need to pursue greatness unendingly in every sphere of the university's activity.
