In 2024, Strathmore University shattered expectations, setting a new standard for transformative education. From groundbreaking research to life-changing community initiatives, it was a year defined by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Anchored by four pillars; Research and Innovation, Service to Society, Transformative Staff Experience, and Transformative Student Experience, the University solidified its position as an academic giant.
Research and Innovation: Shaping the Future
Strathmore University surged ahead in 2024, pushing the boundaries of research and innovation. From novel technologies to addressing Africa’s pressing challenges, the University continues to lead as a beacon of ingenuity and excellence.
One of the year’s standout achievements was spearheaded by Dr. Henry Muchiri and his team at the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences (SCES). Their groundbreaking project leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to combat illegal logging in Kenyan forests, providing a high-tech solution to preserve the country’s diminishing natural resources.
Innovation was further showcased through the Strathmore UNESCO Chair on Climate Change Resilience and Sustainability, which piloted Sunsafe in Machakos County. Developed by Anne Wacera Wambugu, this innovative app revolutionizes the deployment of Component-Based Solar PV Systems (CBSS). By simplifying system sizing and compatibility checks, Sunsafe empowers users to ensure safe and efficient installations, supporting clean energy adoption across communities.
In the agriculture sector, the Strathmore Agri-Food Innovation Centre (SAFIC) domiciled at the Strathmore University Business School was launched in 2024. The Centre is dedicated to establishing a Community of Practice (CoP) focused on Agricultural Markets Data for Investment & Growth (AMDIG). Operating under its core pillars of data analytics, research, and innovation, the center is poised to drive transformative initiatives in the agricultural sector.
Strathmore’s commitment to collaboration and knowledge exchange flourished in 2024. Notable partnerships included a joint initiative with Imperial College London under the UK-Kenya University Partnerships program. This initiative saw the launch of the inaugural Learning and Design Lab, focusing on climate resilience solutions.
In another landmark collaboration, Fortescue and Strathmore University signed an MoU at the Africa Energy Forum in Nairobi to propel green energy and hydrogen production in Africa. This partnership aims to build a robust green hydrogen innovation ecosystem, nurturing talent, fostering regional expertise, and accelerating Kenya’s transition to renewable energy.
The launch of the Africa Green Hydrogen Hub, a collaboration with Curtin University and Griffith University, Australia, demonstrated Strathmore’s alignment with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This pioneering initiative positions green hydrogen as a transformative energy solution, addressing energy accessibility while combating climate change.
The Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC) continued to make headlines with its innovative contributions to sustainable energy. In collaboration with Makueni County, UKPACT, and the World Resources Institute, SERC commissioned an On-grid Solar PV project at the Makueni County Referral Hospital. Adding to this success, SERC launched a ten-year clean energy plan for Makueni County, reinforcing Strathmore’s role as a leader in sustainable development.
To crown it all, the University celebrated its inaugural Research Excellence Awards, honoring exceptional contributions in Early Career, System User of the Year, and Overall Researcher categories. These recognitions, alongside the launch of the SAIRC 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, cement Strathmore’s position as a hub for transformative research.
Service to Society: Living the Spirit of Ubuntu
In 2024, Strathmore University reaffirmed its commitment to social impact, elevating its core value of service to society through initiatives that touched thousands of lives across Kenya. From visiting children’s homes and elderly care centers to renovating schools and supporting prisons, the Community Outreach Programme (COP) showcased the university’s dedication to uplifting marginalized communities.
The Macheo Programme achieved remarkable strides, thanks to the collaboration of teachers, students, parents, faculty members, and mentors. Initially designed to help secondary school students transition to tertiary colleges, the program expanded its scope to support those qualifying for university entry, ensuring no student was left behind. This ambitious vision underscored the urgent need for additional funding to sustain the program’s transformative impact.
In marginalized communities where legal literacy remains a distant concept, the Strathmore Law Clinic (SLC) emerged as a beacon of hope. Building on the success of the 2023 Legal Aid Caravan, the clinic extended its services in Isiolo County, one of Kenya’s most vulnerable regions. Addressing issues such as land disputes, inter-community violence, teenage pregnancies, and domestic abuse, the initiative empowered residents with knowledge and access to justice.
The clinic also partnered with the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) to offer vital legal support to refugees. Beyond immediate assistance, the project focused on equipping refugees with tools to navigate legal and social challenges, fostering resilience and independence.
Strathmore’s E-Msingi Program, dedicated to holistic development for students from Nairobi’s slums, received global acclaim in 2024, earning third place in the prestigious MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship. Competing among 437 universities from 86 countries, the program highlighted Strathmore’s unwavering dedication to transforming lives through education and mentorship.
In collaboration with Standard Chartered Bank, @iBizAfrica launched Cohort 7 of the Women in Tech Program, focusing on sustainability and technology-driven entrepreneurship. Over 80 female entrepreneurs participated in the #SCWomenInTech Bootcamp, acquiring essential skills to pivot their businesses toward sustainable and socially responsible practices.
Strathmore also introduced the USAID-funded Women Entrepreneurship Incubator Program (WEIP), targeting women-owned small and growing businesses (WO-SGBs) in sectors such as agribusiness, textiles, healthcare, and water and sanitation.
Strathmore’s mission to make higher education accessible received a significant boost through the Kshs. 5,000,000 donation from alumnus Peter Karoki, Director of Woodcreek School. This contribution strengthened the university’s goal of becoming a “needs-blind” institution, where financial challenges no longer hinder students’ potential.
The establishment of the William Thomas Ombaka Oburu Endowment Fund and the SOA-SI Endowment Fund further supported financially disadvantaged students, with initial contributions of Kshs. 1,110,000 and Kshs. 500,000, respectively.
Celebrating ten years of transformative impact, the Staff Giving initiative has provided over 300 students with scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and transport. This program enables underprivileged students to focus on their studies and personal growth, laying a foundation for brighter futures and improved livelihoods for their families.
Strathmore continued to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through initiatives like the KOMA Training Program, in partnership with ABSA. This program equips SMEs with essential systems and processes, laying the groundwork for scalable growth.
Transformative Staff Experience: Nurturing Excellence from Within
2024 was a great year for staff development at Strathmore University, with initiatives that underscored the institution’s belief that excellence begins with empowered employees. Through innovative programs, professional growth opportunities, and a holistic approach to staff welfare, Strathmore has set the gold standard for fostering a thriving community of educators and administrators.
One of the year’s most notable achievements was Eng. Dr. Julius Butime, Dean of the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences, being named Kenya’s Faraday Battery Ambassador. As a trailblazer in electrical engineering, Dr. Butime is dedicated to transforming Africa through innovative energy storage solutions, pivotal for meeting the continent’s growing energy demands.
Another milestone was the recognition of Allan Mukuki, Director of Partnerships at Strathmore Law School, who earned a spot among Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 Men 2024. Known for his exceptional legal expertise and mentorship, Mukuki’s accolade reflects his unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and fostering transformative partnerships.
The University’s fourth Vice Chancellor’s Run was a vibrant affair, blending camaraderie with a noble cause. This initiative raises funds for scholarships, ensuring that every #Stratizen has access to quality education. An inspiring moment was the participation of Prof. David Sperling, at 89 years young, who exemplified resilience and determination with every measured step he took during the event.
The 2024 Vice Chancellor’s conference featured the unveiling of the statue and plaque of our Founder, St. Josemaría Escrivá. Decades before Strathmore University became a reality, St. Josemaría dreamt of establishing a university in Africa where knowledge not only fills minds but also uplifts hearts and spirits. Since its inception, the University has strived to fulfill the vision of the Founder, epitomized in Strathmore University’s vision to be a leading institution that positively impacts society through excellent work.
In September, Strathmore University hosted the Kevin O’Byrne Memorial Lecture, honoring a man whose contributions deeply shaped the university’s core values of service and sacrifice. The event brought together prominent speakers, including Vice Chancellor Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Prof. David Sperling, Kevin O’Byrne Jr., and Eng. Dr. Julius Butime, who reflected on Kevin O’Byrne’s lasting impact and its influence on Strathmore’s ethos.
This lecture also highlighted efforts toward the development of a state-of-the-art STEM complex, aimed at fostering world-class innovators to drive Africa’s transformation. The complex will feature advanced labs in quantum computing, Artificial Intelligence, e-mobility, and fibre optics, among others.
Strathmore staff further demonstrated their intellectual leadership on the global stage with their contribution to The Bloomsbury Handbook of Student Voice in Higher Education. Paul Ochieng, Dean of Students; Dr. Alfred Kitawi, Director of the Centre for Research in Education; and advocates Vianney Sebayiga and Christine Njane (Class of 2021, Strathmore Law School), co-authored a chapter exploring how student voices shape higher education globally.
In line with its 2024 theme, ‘Caring for People and the Planet,’ Strathmore launched impactful environmental initiatives. Through the Panda Miti Initiative, students and staff traveled to South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) in Kitui County to plant trees in response to the government’s call to action.
The Strathmore Wellness Initiatives flowed seamlessly throughout the year, operating like a well-oiled machine dedicated to rejuvenating every aspect of staff well-being. These initiatives were designed not just for physical health but for a holistic approach to personal growth. From invigorating hikes and scenic bike rides to action-packed sports days and energizing wellness fairs.
Book reviews encouraged intellectual stimulation, while spiritual activities nurtured inner peace. To cap off an extraordinary year, Strathmore achieved a hat-trick of excellence, clinching the prestigious Best Workplace Wellness Program award at the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) Awards. It was a well-deserved triumph, a win for all, embodying the true spirit of wellness, teamwork, and success.
Transformative Student Experience: Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders
The student experience at Strathmore University soared to new heights in 2024, driven by groundbreaking innovations in pedagogy and enriched learning environments. With a holistic approach to education, we reaffirmed our commitment to producing graduates who are not just employable but also equipped to lead and innovate.
Strathmore’s focus on practical, industry-based training, complemented by international exposure, has redefined learning outcomes. From immersive internships to transformative international trips, the university’s initiatives ensure students gain real-world insights and hands-on skills.
One of the year’s highlights was the 3rd Ideas Festival, a vibrant platform where students from diverse faculties showcased their ingenuity. The festival promoted cross-disciplinary collaboration, inspiring creativity and fostering a culture of innovation that transcends academic boundaries.
Strathmore University celebrated Paul Simiyu, a student in the Master’s in Sustainable Energy Transition Systems program, for being named among Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 Men 2024. From his rural upbringing with limited electricity access to leading transformative energy projects, including converting the Mombasa Southern Bypass into a solar-powered highway, Paul’s journey highlights resilience and innovation in sustainable energy.
Innovation remained a hallmark of the Strathmore experience. Five visionary students from the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences; Andy Onyango, Gabriel Musyoki, Morris Murigi, Jeremy Kering, and Calvin Kinyanjui, introduced Afterlife, a groundbreaking project repurposing old batteries into eco-friendly products. This initiative not only addressed environmental concerns but also created meaningful employment opportunities, capturing second place at the Enactus Battery Challenge.
The university’s innovative prowess extended to other platforms as well. Dhanusi Savla, Keith Brian, Norah Kimathi, Noah Midikira, and Alvin Nyandeje, under the banner of ‘Regen Riders,’ electrified the Enactus Battery Challenge by proposing enhanced electric motorcycle efficiency, securing a stellar second-place finish. Meanwhile, Andy Onyango and Trevor Atela, fourth-year BSEEE students, presented a revolutionary project on solar systems for rural hospitals using hydrogen storage at Makerere University, Uganda, clinching another prestigious second-place award.
In an inspiring achievement, Michelle Wafula, a 19-year-old Electrical and Electronics Engineering student, triumphed at the 7th Atoms Empowering Africa Competition, showcasing her innovative ideas on nuclear energy for sustainable development. Her victory placed her among Africa’s brightest minds advocating for cleaner energy solutions.
Strathmore’s impact wasn’t limited to technical fields. The Institute of Mathematical Sciences won the CFA Institute Research Challenge, triumphing over 18 teams from six universities. This prestigious victory highlighted the university’s prowess in financial research and analysis, while the Law School team captivated judges and audiences alike as first runners-up at the 11th International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition in The Hague.
Strathmore University once again proved its excellence in accounting education by producing standout Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) candidates in the June 2024 exams. Strathmore’s students achieved remarkable results, securing top positions both nationally and globally. Among the top performers in the various units include Kaur Ashveen, Nelson Musioma, Moturi Tsungi Mutesva Shah Khushali Bhaveshbhai and Nagda Dhruv Dilip.
It was a pitchy affair, and our Strathletes were really kicking it. 2024 saw them put their best foot forward in various games. Two Strathmore Leos stars: George Ooro and Nygel Amaitsa helped the Kenya’s national men’s rugby team, the Shujaa, return to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series after one long year of exile.
In the same breadth, the Strathmore Football Team delivered a stellar performance in the FKF Division Two Playoffs, showcasing unmatched skill, teamwork, and determination. Their remarkable efforts not only thrilled their supporters but also earned them a well-deserved promotion to the FKF Division One Competition.
A significant highlight of the 2024 Strathmore University Business School (SBS), Executive Education Graduation was the official launch of the SBS at 20 initiative. The initiative will showcase SBS’s unwavering commitment to building a robust network of African leaders dedicated to ethical governance and sustainable business practices.
Amid these achievements, students also embraced the arts, media, and culture. The launch of Strath Hits Radio, the university’s online radio station, marked a new era of engaging, student-led content, blending entertainment, thought-provoking dialogue, and creative expression. Hosted within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the radio station serves as a platform for students to gain hands-on experience through practical sessions, while offering the wider community a space for engaging and impactful conversations.
As the cycle of university life comes full circle, the time arrives to honour and celebrate all that has been achieved. For the #ClassOf2024, graduation was a moment for the history books. From their first steps as freshmen, armed with laptops and data bundles, they embraced the challenges of a new digital world, destined to become the change-makers of tomorrow.
Four years later, 1,529 graduates, hailing from diverse schools, stood poised to lead with purpose and vision across Africa and beyond. Impressively, the Strathmore Institute recorded its highest number of graduates (701 graduates representing 23 nationalities) since its inception, reflecting the university’s global outlook and inclusivity.
From the recent graduates stepping confidently into the future, to the pioneers who walked the halls back in the 1970s, our alumni are the living testament to the enduring spirit of this university. This year, we invited them to step back in time and embrace the present, as we reconnected and celebrated the powerful thread that has bound us together across generations. It’s an opportunity to inspire one another. From those who have recently launched their careers, to those who’ve shaped industries, communities, and futures.
And what a year it has been for the Strathmore alumni community. From the Alumni Connect events, to the Alumni Awards to Meeting of Minds 2024 has been one for the books. Read more here to witness how it has been a year of growth, connection and inspiration.
As Strathmore University concludes another remarkable year, the institution stands poised for even greater achievements. The successes of 2024 across all four pillars have laid a solid foundation for future growth and impact. With ambitious plans already underway, 2025 promises to be bigger and better, as the university builds on its unwavering commitment to excellence and its innovative approach to education, continuing to set new standards in higher education.
The synergy between research excellence, societal impact, staff development, and student experience has created a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures talent and drives positive change. As we look to the future, Strathmore University remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality education while making meaningful contributions to society.
Article written by Stephen Wakhu
What’s your story? We’d like to hear it. Contact us via communications@strathmore.edu
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