By Nicole Wanjiku Gitau

The Student Association Cabinet (SAC) at USIU-Africa, led by its outgoing members, has made significant strides in enhancing student life. With a clear vision and a robust 14 achievements, the Student Association Cabinet has focused on addressing key student needs, including the installation of changing rooms and lighting at the sports field, the provision of student microwaves, the procurement of a new campus bus, field renovations for the hockey, rugby and football grounds, reinstatement of the sports physiotherapist, streamlined transport supervision, reinstatement of the student shuttle transport, and the successful run of yearly events like Culture Week, Graduation Dinner, Mr & Miss USIU-Africa and now the USIU-Africa Gala Awards Night.

One of the most notable achievements of this tenure has been the revival of the USIU-Africa Gala Awards Night. This prestigious event aimed to create an environment where both students, staff and faculty are recognized and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the USIU-Africa community.

Through this revival, the SAC and the planning committee aimed to enhance student life by creating an environment where students, staff and faculty are recognized and celebrated for their outstanding qualities in all areas of their lives within the USIU-Africa community. This goal was successfully achieved, as confirmed by the positive feedback from attendees, both in person and on the YouTube livestream.

The Gala Awards Night celebrated excellence across eight categories, featuring 109 nominees and 60 winners. Nominees were self-nominated for voting categories like Excellence in Teaching, Culture and Arts. For non-voting categories, such as Academic Excellence, winners were determined through collaboration with the Registrar’s office and the Sports Affairs Committee (SPAC).

The evening was a visual spectacle, adorned in black, brown, and gold, with a 'Glamour Noir: Black Tie Elegance' dress code. Attendees embraced the theme, creating a stunning and sophisticated atmosphere. The event kicked off with live performances from the Chicha Band, Bee Thee Artist, the Iconics, Lukundo, and Gatchy Music, showcasing the immense talent within the student body.

The revival of the USIU-Africa Gala Awards Night not only celebrated individual achievements but also inspired our students to continue excelling in academics, sports, and personal endeavors. This event underscored the message that dedication and hard work are recognized and rewarded within our community.

The winners of this prestigious event included the following:

Academic Excellence Awards

1. Best Undergraduate Student CSOB Male - Ladha Faraaz Farid
2. Best Undergraduate Student CSOB Female - Ngum, Ambe Joyceline
3. Best Undergraduate Student SPHS Male - Makuetche Nadine
4. Best Undergraduate Student SPHS Female - Kelly-Pride Fru, Akwa
5. Best Undergraduate Student SST Male - Dibassy Kemo
6. Best Undergraduate Student SST Female - Njami, Marsharine Lucy-Nduta
7. Best Undergraduate Student SHSS Male - Randiek, Ryan Ateto
8. Best Undergraduate Student SHSS Female - Navti, Lidwina Verika
9. Best Undergraduate Student SCCCA Male - Kasozi, Joshua Marvin
10. Best Undergraduate Student SCCCA Female - Osesi Jodi Jubi
11. Best Graduate Student CSOB Male - Patel, Abhishek Kumar Miteshbhai
12. Best Graduate Student CSOB Female - Muchoki, Ann Wambui
13. Best Graduate Student SST Male - Mbugua, Josphat Mwangi
14. Best Graduate Student SST Female - Saigilu, Edel Sainko
15. Best Graduate Student SHSS Male - Ng’ayu Jewell Njeri
16. Best Graduate Student SHSS Female - Chiromo, Zvisineyi Beatrice
17. Best Graduate Student SCCCA Male - Ibrahim, Ahmed Mohamed
18. Best Graduate Student SCCCA Female - Keter, Valerie Jepkoech

Excellence in Teaching (Faculty)

1. Excellence in Teaching CSOB - Samson Akuma
2. Excellence in Teaching SPHS - Dr. Noah Naumih
3. Excellence in Teaching SST - Prof. Austin Sifuna
4. Excellence in Teaching SHSS - Dr. Fatuma Ali
5. Excellence in Teaching SCCCA - Prof. Silvester Mutua

Leadership and Service Award

1. Outstanding Student Leader - Dudi Luat
2. Outstanding Club/Society - Criminal Justice Club
3. Outstanding International Community Leader - Deng Bona

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award

1. Most Innovative Project - Olatunji Oladayo
2. Entrepreneur of the Year in Fashion - Dressrite Republic
3. Entrepreneur of the Year in Technology - Phone Accessories by Namu
4. Entrepreneur of the Year in Food - MomasTreat

Cultural and Arts Awards

1. Best Performing Talent Music - Lukundo Sikombe
2. Best Performing Talent Dance - Kelly Kioko
3. Best On-Air-Personality Radio - Justin Mureti
4. Best Visual Artist - Jinx Crew
5. Best Digital Creator - Primrose Magutshwa

Sports and Fitness Awards (SPAC)

1. Most Valuable Player – Soccer (Male) - Quincy Achar
2. Most Valuable Player –Soccer (Female) - Wendy Wanda
3. Most Valuable Player - Basketball (Male) - Vitumbiko Mponela
4. Most Valuable Player- Basketball (Female) - Judith Pantaleo
5. Most Valuable Player – Rugby - Paul Kituyi
6. Most Valuable Swimmer (Male) - Omar Ibrahim
7. Most Valuable Swimmer (Female) - Tamara Kimeu
8. Most Valuable Player – Hockey (Male) - Samuel Silong
9. Most Valuable Player – Hockey (Female) - Naom Kemunto
10. Most Valuable Player- Taekwondo (Male) - Haji Ombayo
11. Most Valuable Player- Karate (Male) - Melchizedek Michir
12. Most Valuable Player- Karate (Female) - Esther Mwende
13. Most Valuable Player- Volleyball (Male) - Mamat Cham
14. Most Valuable Player- Volleyball (Female) - Florence Wambui
15. Most Valuable Player – Woodball (Female) - Rita Mbambazi
16. Most Valuable Player - Pwd Sports - Henry Musau
17. Overall Coach of the year - George Mayenga
18. Best Performing Sports team – Basketball Ladies

Diversity and Inclusion Awards

1. Faculty Champion of Diversity Award 2024 – Dr. Victor Boiyo

Special Recognition Awards

1. Lifetime Achievement Award - Prof. Munyae Mulinge
2. Peer Mentor of the Year - Brian Lowassa

Alumni Awards

1. Distinguished Alumni Award 2024 - Mr. Michael Kisilu