Mount Kenya University (MKU) is proud to announce that the Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Benson Njoroge Wanjiru, has been conferred the prestigious Award by iChange Nations™, an international culture-of-honour organization founded by HRH Sir Dr. Clyde Rivers.
The distinguished honour was bestowed during a Gala Dinner held on Wednesday, August 5TH, 2026, at Saiwa Safari Resort in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County. The high-profile event brought together international dignitaries, local leaders and celebrated personalities. The ceremony was presided over by His Royal Highness, King Dr. Ruben Maurice West who is entrusted with advancing the organization’s global mission of promoting honour, civility, leadership development, and humanitarian recognition, Dr. Michelle Boon-Thornton- iChange Nations Special Envoy, and an internationally respected educator, humanitarian, author, and World Civility Ambassador, and Mrs. Marissa Thornton-Board Chair for the Dr. Michelle Boone-Thornton Standard of Excellence Global award and award advisor.
The iChange Nations™ World Civility Award recognizes individuals whose leadership and service demonstrate exceptional humanitarian commitment, social responsibility and sustained positive impact within their communities. Dr. Njoroge now joins a distinguished global roster of honourees that includes heads of state, policy leaders and other change-makers committed to what iChange Nations describes as “bringing back the lost art of honour.”
The Award Dinner was the climax of a very successful 2-day Global Mental Health Symposium hosted at the Kitale ODeL Centre, which was graced by Mount Kenya University Co-founder, Dr. Jane Nyutu, who served as the face of the University in both the Gala and the Symposium; University Chaplain Rev. Dr. Regina Kinuthia; Dr. Christina Njuguna; and the Director of the Kitale Campus, Mr. Peter Njenga, among other distinguished guests. Their presence underscored the University’s support for the recognition and the values of leadership, service and civility embodied by the award.
As Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Njoroge has championed initiatives in mathematics education, teacher education, curriculum development, postgraduate mentorship and student welfare. He has guided numerous scholars to successful completion of their studies and has contributed to national education and teacher development initiatives through engagements with institutions and bodies including the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM), and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Through his engagements with the Teachers Service Commission, Dr. Njoroge has contributed to initiatives aimed at retooling and strengthening the professional capacity of Kenyan teachers, supporting continuous professional development and the enhancement of teaching practices.
His commitment to inclusive and transformative education extends beyond conventional teacher training. He has supported andragogy training for volunteer inmate teachers who lacked formal training in pedagogy and andragogy, contributing to efforts to strengthen the quality of education provided within correctional settings. This initiative reflects his belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of extending quality teacher preparation to underserved and marginalized communities.
At the School of Education, Dr. Njoroge has also placed considerable emphasis on the academic and holistic well-being of students. Under his leadership, initiatives have been organized to strengthen academic advisories, student mentorship and support for students’ mental well-being, recognizing that academic achievement is closely connected to the overall welfare and personal development of learners.
His leadership has therefore extended beyond administrative responsibilities to encompass mentorship, community service, teacher professional development, inclusive education and student support. These efforts reflect a people-centred approach to leadership in which academic excellence is pursued alongside social responsibility and the well-being of those served by the University.
Through his work in mathematics education, teacher professional development, curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, inclusive education and student welfare, Dr. Njoroge has demonstrated a sustained commitment to servant leadership, academic excellence and the transformation of education across Kenya and the wider region.
University leadership noted that the recognition is a fitting tribute to a scholar and educational leader whose contributions have consistently placed people, service and purpose at the centre of his work.
Mount Kenya University congratulates Dr. Benson Njoroge Wanjiru on this well-deserved honour. The award brings further distinction not only to the School of Education, but also to Mount Kenya University and the nation of Kenya.
