Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) has today achieved a historic milestone after being officially inaugurated as a Presidential Award Centre (PA-K), in a colourful ceremony marked by tree planting and strong calls for youth empowerment and environmental stewardship.
President’s Award – Kenya CEO, Ms. Margaret Kiogora, signs the Visitors’ Book at the Vice Chancellor’s Office during the official launch of KAFU as a PA-K Centre.
The event, held on 16th September 2025 at the university grounds under the theme “Greening through the Award”, was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mwita, the Chief Executive Officer of the President’s Award – Kenya (PA-K) Mrs. Margaret Kiogora, PA-K board director Mrs. Anne Chelangat, KenGen representative Mr. Amos Mbutu, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Student Affairs and Research, Prof. Fred Amimo, members of the National Youth Service, students, and other dignitaries.
Kaimosi Friends University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mwita, receives the official license certifying KAFU as a fully accredited Presidential Award – Kenya (PA-K) Centre. The license, presented by PA-K CEO Ms. Margaret Kiogora, symbolizes the university’s readiness to nurture young people in personal growth, leadership, and community service, while reaffirming its commitment to national development and youth empowerment.
In his address, Prof. Mwita welcomed guests and lauded PA-K for its pivotal role in nurturing youth through mentorship, skills development, and leadership. He noted that the programme resonates with KAFU’s mission of producing holistic and ethical leaders.
“As we plant these seedlings, we are not only sowing trees, but seeds of hope, vision, and resilience. These 10,000 seedlings donated by KenGen will stand as a living testimony of our shared commitment to nurture both the environment and our young people. Just as these trees will grow strong and provide shade for generations, so too will the values of hard work, knowledge, and service to the community that we are instilling today.” he said.
The Vice Chancellor also pledged to increase student membership beyond the current 30 awardees spread across Bronze, Silver, and Gold categories. He revealed plans to establish tree nurseries as hubs for conservation and community engagement, and encouraged learners to seize opportunities presented by the award programme.
“I call upon our awardees to fully embrace this programme for personal growth, community service, and leadership development. Through the experiences you will gain, you will not only discover your potential but also transform lives around you. This is a call to serve with integrity, to lead with courage, and to become the changemakers our nation needs,” he added.
KAFU students joined Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita and PA-K CEO Ms. Margaret Kiogora in planting tree seedlings to commemorate the launch of Kaimosi Friends University as a Presidential Award Centre (PA-K). The exercise symbolized a shared commitment to youth empowerment, environmental conservation, and sustainable growth.
Mrs. Kiogora, in her remarks, emphasized PA-K’s holistic mission anchored on four pillars: skills development, physical recreation, community service, and adventure. She praised the collaborative efforts that made KAFU’s tree-planting drives successful, particularly acknowledging the support of the National Youth Service. She also urged stakeholders to work together in safeguarding the environment, stressing that conservation can only be achieved through united action.
Prof. Amimo, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Student Affairs and Research, described the event as a transformative milestone for KAFU. He noted that becoming a PA-K Centre would open opportunities for students to go beyond academics, building responsibility through voluntary service and sustainable practices.
“This partnership with PA-K reaffirms our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. It is a reminder that our role as a university goes beyond academics — we are stewards of our environment and champions of a greener, healthier future for generations to come,” said Prof. Amimo.
A group photo of Kaimosi Friends University leadership, students, and guests led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita and PA-K CEO Ms. Margaret Kiogora, taken during the official launch of KAFU as a Presidential Award Centre (PA-K). The moment captured the spirit of partnership, youth empowerment, and community service.