Egerton University has once again taken part and demonstrated that innovation in public service doesn’t always come from government halls or corporate boardrooms—it often begins in lecture halls, research labs, and community outreach initiatives. This reality was brought to life during the 2025 Africa Public Service Day celebrations held at Kenyatta International Conference Centre , Nairobi, where Egerton received a Judges’ Commendation for its outstanding contribution to public service innovation.
The event, which brought together public institutions, universities, and civil society under one banner, celebrated excellence in service delivery and the transformative power of homegrown solutions. The atmosphere was festive, with vibrant cultural performances accompanying the exhibitions. But behind the color and dance was a serious focus: how to recognize and scale innovations that directly improve people’s lives.
Egerton University’s stand quickly became a point of interest. The Principal Secretary for Public Service, Dr. Jane Kere Imbunya, paid a special visit and was warmly welcomed by the University’s team—Prof. Nzula Kitaka, Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization; Dr. Justine Omwoyo, a Computer Science lecturer and Assistant Dean of Students; and Ms. Beth Arungo from the Vice-Chancellor’s Office.
As Dr. Imbunya engaged with the team, she was visibly impressed by the range of innovations on display. The University had not come to simply showcase academic projects—it brought real-world solutions. These included digital platforms designed to support legal aid for marginalized groups, innovations in community healthcare delivery, and research-backed interventions in agriculture aimed at improving productivity for smallholder farmers.
Dr. Imbunya commended the university not only for the quality of its work but also for its commitment to public service as a central part of its mission. Her sentiments were echoed by two other senior government officials present during the commendation ceremony—Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, and Mr. Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President. Their presence underscored the importance of bridging academia and public administration in driving national development.
Representing the University, Prof. Kitaka highlighted how research and innovation at Egerton are increasingly geared towards practical application. She emphasized the role of collaboration—not only across departments but also with government and community partners—in ensuring that solutions are grounded in real needs.
Dr. Omwoyo spoke about his students’ involvement in developing digital tools that support public service functions. His remarks reflected a larger theme running through the University’s approach: empowering students to think beyond the classroom and to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
The Judges’ Commendation, while symbolic, represents more than just recognition. It is a call to action—to scale up what is working, to deepen engagement with the public, and to ensure that universities remain key players in the ecosystem of national development. For Egerton University, it affirms that innovation for public good is not an abstract ideal, but a living practice—one that must be nurtured, celebrated, and sustained.
