What better way to kick off the 3rd Strathmore Alumni Connect Brunch than with words from the legendary Chinua Achebe? The Alumni Relations Director, Elias Kaburu, opened the morning with a line that felt written precisely for this occasion: “A man who calls his kinsmen to a feast does not do so to save them from starving… We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.”

And truly, no one came starving, this was brunch, after all, and Windsor Golf Club knows how to put on a spread. Between the gleaming silver chafing dishes, the aroma of perfectly brewed coffee strong enough to make you believe in mornings again, and the lively hum of conversation, the air was thick with warmth and laughter. But beyond the buffet and the caffeine, what truly brought everyone together was something far richer,  that unmistakable, enduring Strathmore spirit.

It was Saturday, 4th October 2025, and Strathmore Alumni from every imaginable corner, bankers, entrepreneurs, lawyers, accountants, all gathered under Windsor’s green garden. Last year, the Alumni Connect was held at JW Marriott. It was grand, formal, the kind of event that smelled faintly of ambition and cologne. This year, things were different. Brunch. Outdoors. A bit of sunshine.
The day’s hosts, Lizzie Ntonjira and Andrew Ritho, steered the programme with poise and humour. Lizzie, in particular, earned my nod of respect when she casually dropped the word poignant into her emceeing. It’s not every day you hear someone use “poignant” correctly, mid-sentence.

The Call to Purpose

The speakers reminded everyone that while brunch was good, purpose was better. Prof. Luis Franceschi, Assistant Secretary-General at the Commonwealth, took the mic with the calm authority of someone who has seen both sides of power, the noble and the messy. “Strathmore is a transcontinental university with a duty to build the continent,” he said. “That duty cannot be fulfilled by faculty alone. It is through our alumni that this vision lives. Use your position to make society better.” It was less a challenge and more a quiet assignment.

Then came Dr. Vincent Ogutu, the Vice Chancellor, part philosopher, part storyteller, who spoke about connection as Strathmore’s secret currency.“Strathmore is worldwide, a magnet that unites people. Our Alumni Chapters are living proof of that.” In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor also unveiled the  Strathmore Alumni Association Board.

Meet the new board:
✅ Kinyua David Murithii (SI Alumni, Class of 1994), Board Chair
✅ Anthony Ndegwa (SI Alumni)
✅ Jamal Mohamed (SCES/SBS Alumni, Class of 2018)
✅ Nancy Mumbi Butama (SBS Alumni, Class of 2010)
✅ Nandu Hirani (SBS Alumni, Class of 2015)
✅ Janet Kimani (Former Director, Alumni Relations)
✅ Dr. Edward Mungai (DVC, Planning & Development)

Then came the keynote address by Nzioka Waita, MGH, Managing Director, Africa Advisory at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. His address, titled Personalised Systems, drew from Strathmore’s theme of the year. Speaking on the essence of empathy, he began, “With empathy, you see beyond words. Personalised attention begins with understanding. Not just hearing, but listening to connect.” He spoke with such openness and truth, the kind that can only come from experience, some of which, perhaps, cannot be repeated here. With humour and wisdom, he reminded the audience that reputations are built over time and that integrity means choosing what is right, even when it’s not easy. Recalling moments from his public life, he quipped, “Vitu zingine usieke kwa roho, weka kwa lungs. Keep the bigger picture intact.” His message embraced a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, urging people to remain open-minded and to focus on progress rather than perfection. You don’t have to win every battle to make a difference, just the right ones.

The Stars of the Day: Alumni Award Winners

No good Strathmore event ends without celebrating those who carry the flag with excellence.

🏅 Corporate Leadership Award – FCPA Christine Kahema Muthui
🔬 Research and Innovation Award – Collins W. Munyendo
💡 Entrepreneurship Award – Kenneth Karuri Kariuki
💖 Community Service Award – Elizabeth Juma
✨ Special Mentions – Nikita Abuya, Crystal Bitutu Isanda, and Hon. Sumeya Bishar

And finally, when the moment came for the big reveal, you could feel the anticipation build. The Overall Winner and Service to Society Award went to Johnson Mwawasi Kilangi.

Mr. Johnson Mwawasi Kilangi, the 2025 Alumnus of the Year and Service to Society Award winner, was recognised for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to community service. Through his work with Miundo Misingi Hub, a platform that designs, structures, and implements financing for large infrastructure projects across East Africa. He has helped build the capacity of over 500 young professionals in project finance. This initiative empowers them to support governments in financing and developing better infrastructure, ultimately contributing to the region’s sustainable growth and socio-economic development.

More Than a Brunch

As the plates emptied and the sun tilted towards evening, one thing became clear: Strathmore is not just a university; it’s a lifelong family. Achebe’s words, shared at the start, lingered long after the last photo was taken: “We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.” And indeed, it was good.

Article written by: Briege Mwangi