Alupe University has been honored with the prestigious Best Higher Institution of Learning Award following its participation in the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Western @60 Business Expo and Awards Gala Dinner held in Busia on 4th September, 2026.
The award marks a significant recognition of the University’s growing contribution to education, innovation, entrepreneurship and the socio-economic transformation of the Western Kenya region.
The colorful Business Expo, hosted at Busia Polytechnic, brought together leading businesses, enterprises, government agencies, development partners, professionals and other key players in the region’s economic ecosystem. The event provided a vibrant platform for organizations to showcase their products and services, forge strategic partnerships, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Among the prominent organizations participating in the Expo were CFAO, Davis and Shirtliff, the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), St. Elizabeth Special Hospital, Kenya Climate Innovation Center and Kenya Industrial Estates, among other established institutions and enterprises.
For Alupe University, participation in the Expo provided an opportunity to showcase its academic programmes, institutional capabilities, innovations and its commitment to producing knowledge and graduates capable of responding to the needs of industry and society.
The event also featured keynote addresses, plenary sessions and engagements focusing on business growth, investment, innovation, entrepreneurship, industrialization and the future of the region’s economy. The discussions underscored the importance of stronger linkages between institutions of higher learning, industry, government and communities in driving sustainable development.
Alupe University was represented by Prof. Arnety Makokha, Dean, School of Business, Economics and Human Resource Development, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Barasa, alongside Dr. Isaac Manje, Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing; Felix Sabwa; Victoria Magar; and other members of the University community.
The University’s presence at the Expo demonstrated its commitment to moving beyond the traditional role of a higher education institution to become a more active partner in enterprise development, capacity building, innovation and community transformation.
Receiving the Best Higher Institution of Learning Award further reinforces this commitment and reflects the growing visibility and recognition of Alupe University within the regional business and development ecosystem.
The recognition comes at a time when Alupe University continues to strengthen its engagement with industry and other stakeholders, positioning itself as a bastion of knowledge, innovation and opportunity at Kenya’s border with Uganda.
The University appreciates KNCCI Western Region for the recognition and for providing a platform that brings together academia, business, government and other stakeholders to collectively shape the region’s economic future.
The award is more than a trophy. It is a recognition of Alupe University’s place in the region’s transformation story, and a reminder of the greater possibilities that lie ahead.
