Kabarak University: A Rising Star in Kenyan Higher Education

Kabarak University is emerging as a beacon of transformative education in Kenya. In a triumphant stride across academia and innovation, the University has cemented its place among Kenya’s elite institutions.

Recently ranked the top private university and fifth overall in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the university continues to blaze trails under the visionary leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat—celebrated for championing student-led innovations.

Adding to its accolades, Kabarak clinched both Company of the Year and Service of the Year at the prestigious Kenya Quality Awards 2025 Gala, affirming its commitment to excellence beyond the classroom.

In a remarkable display of academic excellence, innovation leadership, and quality assurance, Kabarak University has emerged as a beacon of transformative education in Kenya. This year alone, the institution has clinched three prestigious accolades that not only affirm its commitment to holistic learning but also position it as the university of the future.

At the Kenya Quality Awards 2025 Gala, held on October 20, 2025, Kabarak University made history by securing a double victory — winning both the Best University in Kenya and the Best Quality Management System in Higher Education awards.

This unprecedented achievement reflects the university’s unwavering dedication to excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement. The awards, presented by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), recognized institutions that exemplify quality as a foundation for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

Speaking at the gala, Vice Chancellor Prof. Henry Kiplangat attributed the win to the university’s strategic focus on servant leadership, innovation, and student-centered learning.

“These awards are a testament to our commitment to nurturing future-ready graduates who are not only academically competent but also morally grounded,” he said.

This victory was not an isolated event. Earlier in the year, on September 12, 2025, Kabarak University was honored at the CEIL Summit 2025 in Mombasa, where Prof. Kiplangat was named among eleven Vice Chancellors recognized for championing student-led innovations.

The award, conferred by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), celebrated institutions that have created enabling environments for students to transform ideas into impactful solutions. Through innovation clubs, mentorship programs, and strategic partnerships, Kabarak has cultivated a vibrant ecosystem where creativity meets enterprise.

Read more:

1. Kabarak VC Prof. Kiplangat Honoured for Student Innovation Leadership

2. Kabarak University Ascends Global Rankings as Kenya’s Leading Private Institution

Prof. Kiplangat emphasized that while awards are significant, the true reward lies in witnessing students translate their ideas into real-world solutions. “Innovation is not just about technology; it’s about solving problems that matter to society,” he noted.

The university’s participation in platforms like the Kenya Network of Entrepreneurial Institutions Leaders (KNEIL) further underscores its role in shaping Kenya’s innovation landscape.

Adding to its growing list of accolades, Kabarak University was ranked the Top Private University in Kenya and the 5th Best Overall in the country by the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, released on September 27, 2025.

This recognition places Kabarak among the elite institutions in Kenya, alongside long-established public universities. The ranking considered factors such as teaching quality, research output, international outlook, and industry engagement — all areas where Kabarak has consistently excelled.

These three achievements — the Kenya Quality Awards double win, the CEIL Summit innovation recognition, and the Times Higher Education ranking — paint a compelling picture of a university that is not only thriving but also redefining the future of higher education in Kenya.

So, what makes Kabarak University the institution of the future?

1. A Vision Rooted in Values

Kabarak’s foundation is built on a moral code that emphasizes integrity, service, and excellence. The university’s motto, “setting apart in one’s heart, Jesus as Lord,” reflects its commitment to nurturing morally upright leaders who serve society with compassion and purpose.

2. Innovation at the Core

From establishing student innovation clubs to mentoring young entrepreneurs, Kabarak has embedded innovation into its DNA. The university’s approach goes beyond labs and prototypes — it’s about fostering a mindset that embraces change, creativity, and problem-solving.

3. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

Winning the Best Quality Management System award is no small feat. It signals that Kabarak has robust internal mechanisms for monitoring, evaluating, and enhancing its academic and administrative processes. This ensures that students receive a world-class education that meets global standards.

4. Strategic Leadership

Under the stewardship of Prof. Henry Kiplangat, Kabarak has experienced transformative growth. His visionary leadership has steered the university toward excellence, earning national and international recognition.

5. Global Outlook with Local Impact

While Kabarak is deeply rooted in Kenyan values, it maintains a global perspective. Its partnerships, research collaborations, and international programs prepare students to thrive in a competitive global environment while addressing local challenges.

As Kenya continues to invest in education as a driver of economic growth, institutions like Kabarak University are leading the charge. With its recent accolades, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, Kabarak is not just keeping pace with the future — it is shaping it.

For students seeking a transformative educational experience, for parents looking for a values-driven institution, and for partners aiming to collaborate with a forward-thinking university, Kabarak stands out as the ideal choice.

Kabarak University is not just a place of learning — it is a launchpad for leaders, innovators, and change-makers. The future is here, and it begins at Kabarak.

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