The Vice Chancellor (Ag) Honoured for Championing Student-Led Innovations

The University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor (Ag), Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, has been recognised by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) for her exemplary leadership in embedding student-led innovation clubs within the institution. The recognition was given during the Commercialisation and Entrepreneurial Institutions Leaders (CEIL) Summit 2025.

In a statement issued on September 12, KeNIA applauded 11 Vice Chancellors across the country for spearheading this initiative, describing it as a pivotal step in strengthening Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.

“Congratulations to 11 Vice Chancellors for championing student-led innovation clubs,” the agency stated. “We celebrate the remarkable leadership of Vice Chancellors who are paving the way for student innovators by embedding student-led innovation clubs within their institutions.”

KeNIA noted that the establishment of these clubs is creating fertile ground for young innovators to transform their ideas into enterprises with real societal impact. The agency added that the efforts are not only shaping the country’s innovation landscape but also nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and problem solvers.

By driving this agenda, Prof. Hutchinson and her counterparts are bridging the gap between academia and enterprise, ensuring that student innovations progress beyond concepts to practical solutions addressing pressing challenges in society.

The recognition comes at a time when the University of Nairobi has been scaling up its innovation ecosystem through partnerships, incubation programmes and initiatives that encourage students to pursue entrepreneurship alongside their academic studies.