Riara University Vice Chancellor honoured with the Emerging Entrepreneurial Vice Chancellor of the Year Award at Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) 2024 Awards
NAIROBI, Kenya: During the Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) 2024 – Africa Edition, which took place from 25th November 2024 to 29th November 2024, Prof. Robert Gateru, the Vice Chancellor of Riara University, was honored with the prestigious Emerging Entrepreneurial Vice Chancellor of the Year award. This recognition celebrates his outstanding entrepreneurial leadership and the significant impact he has had in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence at Riara University and within the ecosystem.
The Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) is a highly anticipated event that gathers innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and educators from across Africa to showcase groundbreaking ideas, share knowledge, and discuss the future of innovation across Africa. As part of the event, the Africa Edition Awards recognize individuals and institutions that have demonstrated exceptional achievements in driving innovation and entrepreneurship, with a special focus on emerging leaders.
Prof. Gateru’s win comes as a result of his visionary approach to transforming Riara University into a leading institution for innovation and entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, the University has not only embraced cutting-edge educational practices but also fostered a culture of entrepreneurship that equips students with the skills and mindset for innovation, establishment of businesses and creation of solutions to Africa’s crucial challenges.
The Emerging Entrepreneurial Vice Chancellor of the Year award specifically acknowledges Prof. Gateru’s efforts in fostering entrepreneurship both within the university and in the broader community. Through strategic initiatives and collaborations, Riara University has created an environment where students are encouraged to think critically, innovate, and develop their entrepreneurial ideas into tangible businesses. Prof. Gateru’s leadership has also focused on building strong industry partnerships, which provide students with real-world experiences, internships, and opportunities to launch their startups.
One of the key initiatives under Prof. Gateru’s leadership has been the university’s focus on entrepreneurship education. Riara University has developed specialized programs and incubators that support students in transforming their ideas into viable ventures. These efforts have helped students gain the practical skills needed to succeed as entrepreneurs and leaders, contributing to the growth of Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.
Additionally, Prof. Gateru has led the University to investing in the Konza Technopolis which is an innovation ecosystem dubbed Africa’s Silicon Savannah. Riara University became the first private investor to commence construction at the Konza Technopolis, strategically positioning the University in the heart of Konza’s innovation ecosystem. His vision is to ensure Riara University becomes the leading Startups University in Africa.
This award is a testament to Prof. Gateru’s dedication to shaping the future of higher education in Kenya and beyond. It also highlights the continued growth of Riara University as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence.
