Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) in Vihiga County has been recognized as the Overall Outstanding Institution in Public Service and Innovation during the closing ceremony of the Africa Public Service Day 2026 celebrations held on 23rd June 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi.
The prestigious two-day event brought together public institutions, development partners, civil society organizations and other stakeholders from across the country to showcase transformative innovations, impactful initiatives and best practices aimed at enhancing public service delivery. Emerging ahead of strong competition, KAFU earned national recognition for its outstanding contribution to innovation, research, community impact and excellence in service delivery.
The fast-rising institution of higher learning distinguished itself through the exhibition of innovative research solutions in key areas including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Environment and Climate Change. Among the showcased innovations was the award-winning Alkagel Project by University researcher Mr. Boniface Jiveri. The project, which has received wide recognition, converts fruit waste such as peels and eggshells into a patented, clean-burning “bio-alkanol gel” fuel. The eco-friendly innovation seeks to provide an affordable and healthier alternative to traditional wood fuel and kerosene for rural and peri-urban households.
The Outstanding Institution award was presented during the closing ceremony presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, alongside the Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Dr. Jane Imbunya.
In his remarks, CS Ruku emphasized the critical role of collaboration, innovation, adequate financing and accountable institutions in driving sustainable development. He noted that achieving universal access to essential services such as water and sanitation requires strong partnerships among government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, development partners and the private sector.
Held under the theme, “Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multi-stakeholder Partnerships to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation by 2063,” the Africa Public Service Day celebrations provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening public service delivery across Kenya and Africa.
A key highlight of the event was a symposium themed “Transforming Water and Sanitation Services for the Kenya We Want,” which featured keynote presentations by Principal Secretaries Julius Korir (State Department for Water and Sanitation) and CPA Ephantus Kimotho (State Department for Irrigation), alongside Anthony Njaaramba, Chief Executive Officer of the Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA). The speakers highlighted the central role of water and sanitation in sustainable development, citizen well-being, economic competitiveness and national prosperity.
During the closing ceremony, CS Ruku challenged public institutions to translate discussions, recommendations and resolutions into practical actions that improve the lives of citizens. He called for stronger partnerships between government, academic institutions, civil society, development partners and the private sector to accelerate service delivery.
The Cabinet Secretary further noted that the exhibitions and discussions demonstrated Kenya’s vast capacity, expertise and innovative potential within the public sector. He encouraged institutions to embrace technology, strengthen accountability, promote innovation and build agile, resilient and citizen-centered systems capable of responding to emerging challenges.
In his remarks, CS Ruku emphasized the critical role of collaboration, innovation, adequate financing and accountable institutions in driving sustainable development. He noted that achieving universal access to essential services such as water and sanitation requires strong partnerships among government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, development partners and the private sector.
Held under the theme, “Enhancing Public Sector Institutions and Empowering Multi-stakeholder Partnerships to Achieve Universal Water Availability and Safe Sanitation by 2063,” the Africa Public Service Day celebrations provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening public service delivery across Kenya and Africa.
A key highlight of the event was a symposium themed “Transforming Water and Sanitation Services for the Kenya We Want,” which featured keynote presentations by Principal Secretaries Julius Korir (State Department for Water and Sanitation) and CPA Ephantus Kimotho (State Department for Irrigation), alongside Anthony Njaaramba, Chief Executive Officer of the Water and Sanitation Providers Association (WASPA). The speakers highlighted the central role of water and sanitation in sustainable development, citizen well-being, economic competitiveness and national prosperity.
During the closing ceremony, CS Ruku challenged public institutions to translate discussions, recommendations and resolutions into practical actions that improve the lives of citizens. He called for stronger partnerships between government, academic institutions, civil society, development partners and the private sector to accelerate service delivery.
The Cabinet Secretary further noted that the exhibitions and discussions demonstrated Kenya’s vast capacity, expertise and innovative potential within the public sector. He encouraged institutions to embrace technology, strengthen accountability, promote innovation and build agile, resilient and citizen-centered systems capable of responding to emerging challenges.
