Zetech University has unveiled an annual Education Excellence Award in honour of the late Hon. Senator Dr. Godfrey Gitahi “GG” Kariuki, a renowned education champion and former Laikipia Senator. The announcement was made on Friday during Zetech University’s 9th Graduation Ceremony, themed “Inventing the Future,” held at the Technology Park Mang’u Campus, where 3,216 students were conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates across diverse fields.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene said the award will recognise exceptional student achievements in the School of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, while preserving the memory of a leader who transformed education access in Kenya. “Through this award, Zetech University aims to celebrate excellence and uphold the legacy of Dr. G.G. Kariuki, whose commitment to learning and community development continues to inspire generations,” he said.
This year’s inaugural recipient of the Education Excellence Award was Bachelor of Education (Arts) graduate Ikaru Muturu Joseph.
The Chief Guest, H.E. William Alexander McDonald, the High Commissioner of Barbados to Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, and the Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations in Nairobi, commended Zetech University’s commitment to shaping the future. “The theme this year is not only crucial — it speaks to what, as a globe, we are trying to achieve to make the world a better place. The future does not arrive ready-made, and education excellence is central to building it,” he remarked.
Dr. G.G. Kariuki, who became Laikipia’s first Member of Parliament at independence in 1963, was instrumental in the region’s development and is closely associated with its progress. He played a key role in founding schools to ensure children in his constituency could access formal education. Secondary schools he helped establish include: Rumuruti, Ngumo Secondary School, Gatero Girls, Mwenje, Njorua, and Njonjo Girls. Primary schools he supported include: Rimururuti, Kiguro, and Waigwa Primary.
He also facilitated Commonwealth government scholarships for students through the Ministry of Education and founded several craft training centres—among them Igwamiti, Rumuruti, Kinamba, and Muthengera—to equip local youth with technical skills for societal contribution.
Receiving the honour on behalf of the family, his son James Waigwa Kariuki expressed gratitude for the University’s recognition. “We have carried on the legacy that my father left over the years, and people from Laikipia can relate deeply with the work and contributions he made to society. He not only helped but even donated his own land to support school construction,” he said, urging current leaders to emulate his father’s integrity and dedication.
During the ceremony, Zetech University unveiled a plaque at the Africana Section of its library to commemorate the new Hon. Senator Dr. G.G. Kariuki – Education Excellence Award, alongside books donated by the Kariuki family. Additionally, the University unveiled a plaque at the Technology Park Mang’u Campus marking its status as a fully chartered institution, following the award of its Charter on August, 2022 by former President H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta.