Celebrating Alumni Award Winner 2025
Today in a glamorous event held at MKU Graduation Pavilion the Prof. Gicharu University Chairman Board of Directors and the Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi awarded a cheque of 6.5M Kenya Shillings to Hon. Lawrence Lorunyei . This is after he successful nominated and won the alumni award which was annunced in July 2025.
Professor Gicharu also announced a KShs. 100 million annual fund dedicated to recognizing alumni who demonstrate exceptional “extra-mile” service to their communities. This makes the Alumni Award an annual recognition
Below is the bio and acceptance speech of the winner.
Hon. Lawrence Lorunyei Ekiru Biography
It is my profound honor to speak about a leader whose life and work exemplify courage, vision, and transformative impact—Hon. Lawrence Lorunyei Ekiru. Born and raised among the pastoralist communities of northern Kenya, Hon. Lawrence has dedicated his life to turning adversity into opportunity, and division into unity. His leadership journey was profoundly shaped by the tragic Baragoi massacre of 2012, which claimed 42 police officers. For many, such a tragedy would inspire despair or retreat. For Hon. Lawrence, it became a call to lead differently—with empathy, courage, and a commitment to healing.
Understanding that lasting change requires more than goodwill, he pursued education as a foundation for leadership. His Diploma and Bachelor’s degrees in Community Development from Mount Kenya University equipped him with skills in grassroots engagement, participatory planning, and conflict resolution, teaching him that sustainable progress begins with listening to people and understanding their realities. Furthering his studies with a Master’s in Public Administration, he gained expertise in policy analysis, governance, and institutional management, enabling him to navigate the complexities of local government and design inclusive programs that uplift communities.
With this knowledge and determination, Hon. Lawrence founded Tobong Nawi, a cultural festival that unites Turkana, Samburu, and Pokot communities. Once divided by cycles of conflict, these communities now celebrate heritage, build trust, and create economic opportunities, especially for women artisans. As Chairman of the Education and Vocational Training Committee, he led the construction of 16 ECDE centers, 7 primary schools, 4 secondary schools, and a TVET center, opening doors for children from nomadic families. He has championed public health, youth empowerment, and economic self-reliance, establishing over 160 savings groups and creating the Kalomudang Conservancy, which rehabilitates former cattle rustlers as environmental stewards.
Hon. Lawrence Lorunyei Ekiru’s story is a testament to what visionary, compassionate, and educated leadership can achieve. Through courage, knowledge, and empathy, he has transformed communities, healed wounds, and inspired hope across Samburu County and beyond. His work reminds us that true leadership is not about position, but about the difference one makes in the lives of others.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in honoring a leader, a visionary, and a servant of the people—Hon. Lawrence Lorunyei Ekiru.
