Some names are impossible to forget, and so are the stories behind them. Lancelot Kuria Githinji, a name that echoes like something out of a medieval legend, and a life story just as unforgettable. A tech entrepreneur with a sharp eye for innovation. A pro-level Scrabble player with medals and accolades stacked like trophies on a shelf. A curious mind, a born leader, and a brilliant academic. Now, he adds yet another feather to his cap: First-Class Honours in Informatics and Computer Science, and to crown it all, the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Award, a symbol of all-round excellence.

Like his name, Lancelot stands out, bold, daring, and unwavering. His journey through university wasn’t just about ticking boxes. It was about building, leading, and thriving. If you think you’ve heard it all, wait till you hear how it all came together. 

“By Class Six, I had already read the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary cover to cover,” he shares. Even as a child, Lancelot was fascinated by words, the way they connected, challenged, and stretched the mind. That love turned into a passion for word games, especially Scrabble. Anything that tested his brain became his playground.

When he joined Strathmore University in 2021 to pursue Informatics and Computer Science, that same passion followed him. He joined the Scrabble Community Club and found a space where competition met connection. That year marked his debut in a National Scrabble Tournament, a thrilling experience that introduced him to a vibrant, like-minded community. By 2023, his name was rising in Scrabble circles.  At the 5th edition of the National Youth Scrabble Tournament, Lancelot secured a remarkable third place, and even more impressively, he was crowned Best University Male Student achievements he holds close to his heart. But Lancelot didn’t stop at personal wins. Inspired by the impact Scrabble had on his own growth, he turned his attention to building a movement on campus. He began rallying fellow Stratizens, encouraging them to join the club, experience the thrill, and stretch their mental muscles. What started as a spark grew into a vibrant community.

Recognized for his leadership and vision, he was appointed club captain,  and under his wing, the club flourished. They trained harder, competed stronger, and traveled wider, proudly representing Strathmore at competitions across the country. Today, the Scrabble Club is more than just a group of word lovers, it’s a community of champions, a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose.

But Lancelot’s mind wasn’t only wired for words: it was wired for innovation.  As a third-year student, Lancelot brought his two worlds together: words and technology to create Etymos, a mobile platform designed to help users deepen their vocabulary while exploring the linguistic roots of words. With a fun 14-second timer, five attempts per round, and questions drawn from topics like currency, cuisine, couture, and culture, Etymos offers an exciting, Africa-inspired learning experience. Then in May 2023, fate knocked via a WhatsApp message in a class group. It was an invitation to apply for the IEEE YESIST 2023 Convention, a global platform for young innovators. Lancelot applied without hesitation. After a competitive vetting process, he earned a spot in the Grand Finale. And just like that, he was off to Alexandria, Egypt, to present Etymos at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport.

His creative mind kept evolving. Inspired by the power of cultural storytelling, Lancelot next leapt into the Strathmore Ideas Festival (2024), where he showcased a bold, immersive new concept: Turathi — a Swahili word meaning heritage. Turathi is a gamified experience crafted by Kenyans passionate about cultural exemplification. In the game, players collect letters to form the “word of the day” while battling mythical enemies like ZOMBIS (inspired by West African folklore) using tools like KATANAS (samurai swords). Presenting Turathi at the #SUIdeasFestival was more than just a showcase, it was a turning point. As Lancelot engaged with industry experts and fellow creatives, he received invaluable feedback that encouraged him to refine and scale the idea. What began as a simple cultural concept quickly evolved into a project with real potential and widespread appeal. Today, Turathi is growing, gaining traction, sparking conversations, and slowly carving out its space in the world of educational gaming.

In community service, Lancelot shows up with the same heart and humility that defines his every pursuit. Whether it’s mentoring or hands-on work, he gives back generously especially to young learners. He volunteers at a local community-based school, where he rolls up his sleeves to repair desks, craft wooden fixtures, and offer basic carpentry training. It’s not about recognition, it’s about creating impact, one repaired classroom at a time.

Through it all, the tournaments, the tech projects, the international stages, Lancelot never lost sight of his academics. Balancing classwork and extracurriculars wasn’t always easy, but he embraced the challenge. He didn’t just survive, he thrived. With blinders on like a racehorse, he stayed laser-focused. He consistently made it to the Dean’s List, maintained top grades, and loved every bit of the ICS coursework. For Lancelot, excellence was never optional,  it was the standard.

Four years. Countless milestones. One unforgettable journey. When he first set foot on Strathmore University’s campus in 2021, he came in with a curious mind and a quiet determination. What unfolded over the next four years was nothing short of extraordinary  and a journey marked by growth, grit, and greatness. From his early days navigating lecture halls and club meetings to becoming a standout name across the campus, Lancelot’s transformation has been one to admire and be inspired by. And on 27th June 2025, that journey reached a proud, defining moment: a standing ovation and the presentation of the prestigious Chancellor’s Award, Strathmore’s highest honour, reserved for the most outstanding student in the graduating class. Because when visionary leadership meets academic brilliance and an unshakable campus spirit, something extraordinary unfolds — a legacy that doesn’t just shine, it inspires.

With the Chancellor’s Award in his hands, the highest honour any graduating student can receive and a story etched across classrooms, club rooms, and innovation hubs, Lancelot now steps into his next chapter with confidence, clarity, and purpose. It’s definitely a #SUreFutre for him, and he will #GoPlacesWithSU

Article written by: Jemmy M. Kamau