President Ruto Honours JKUAT Staff for Exemplary Service to the Nation - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*Dr. Joyce Nzulwa, Department of Business Administration, JKUAT, recognized as a National Hero for her leadership and commitment to promoting integrity and inclusivity.*

His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, has recognized three members of staff from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) among this year’s National Heroes during the Mashujaa Day celebrations held on October 20 in Kitui County.

The three honorees Dr. Joyce Daudi Nzulwa, Dr. James Ouma Okaka, and Mr. Kennedy Ndemo Omwange were feted for their exceptional contributions to academia, governance, and sports development, respectively.

Dr. Joyce Daudi Nzulwa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Business Administration, was celebrated as a passionate public servant and a champion of service excellence, embodying the virtues of integrity, servant leadership, authenticity, and humanity. She was recognized for her unwavering commitment to promoting good governance, diversity management, and inclusion across all spheres of life and work.

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Nzulwa has built an illustrious mentoring and coaching career through

*Dr. James Okaka, Department of Construction Management, JKUAT, feted as a National Hero for his contribution to research and excellence in the construction industry.*

partnerships with Beiersdorf EA–Nivea, Thrive International under IMD, and the Mawazo Institute. A certified Life and Career Coach trained by Iyanla Vanzant at the Inner Visions Institute (USA), she also provides counseling and safe spaces for women and girls in vulnerable situations, empowering them through mentorship and emotional healing.

*Mr. Kennedy Ndemo, Sports Department, JKUAT Kisii Campus, feted as a National Hero for his exemplary role in youth mentorship and sports excellence.*

Dr. James Ouma Okaka was honored for his outstanding contributions to research, professionalism, and scholarship in the construction industry. His work has focused on improving informal construction practices, craftsmanship quality, and overall project performance.

He co-authored a pioneering study advocating for the early integration of value management (VM) in Kenya’s construction projects a concept shown to enhance cost-effectiveness, quality, and timely project delivery.

Mr. Kennedy Ndemo Omwange, from the Sports Department at JKUAT Kisii Campus, was recognized for his remarkable impact on athletics and youth empowerment. Through his philanthropic organization, Alidais Group Kenya, Mr. Ndemo has mentored and trained young athletes who have gone on to achieve national and international success. His efforts in securing sports scholarships and nurturing emerging talent have transformed lives and strengthened Kenya’s standing as a global athletics powerhouse.

The trio were among 184 Kenyans celebrated as Mashujaa (heroes and heroines) for their exemplary contributions and selfless service to the nation. President Ruto commended the honorees for their dedication, describing them as individuals whose work continues to inspire excellence, patriotism, and national development.