Kenyatta University has been honoured with the Bronze Mark of Excellence at the 17th CIO100 Symposium & Awards 2025, held from 19–21 November 2025 at Enashipai Resort & Spa, Naivasha. This achievement places the University among Africa’s top technology leaders driving digital transformation, innovation, and sector-wide impact.
This year’s awards were among the most competitive in history, with a record 1,200 applications received and 162 organisations shortlisted from across the continent—including Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, Mauritius, and others. Kenyatta University was selected among the 100 organisations that made it to the final CIO100 list, underscoring the prestige of the recognition, and ultimately emerged as one of the winners.
Celebrating Digital Leadership
The CIO100 Awards celebrate organisations that move beyond technology adoption to demonstrate true digital leadership—leveraging innovation to reimagine industries and deliver long-term value. Kenyatta University’s recognition affirms its commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and the use of technology as a catalyst for sustainable development.
Kenyatta University’s Finalist Project: Tour Kenya
The University’s finalist entry, “Tour Kenya: Search, Explore and Discover,” project is a groundbreaking digital platform designed to strengthen tourism resilience and expand access to accurate, interactive tourism information.
The initiative builds on over 10 years of research, during which more than 100 researchers consolidated georeferenced tourism data across Kenya into the Kenyatta University ArcGIS platform. This strong research foundation enabled the University to develop an advanced digital knowledge hub featuring:
- Thousands of mapped tourism products and experiences across all 47 counties
- 11 thematic categories showcasing Kenya’s diverse tourism assets
- Interactive GIS maps, thematic circuits, and dynamic story maps.
The platform is already transforming how students, researchers, policymakers, investors, and travellers access and interpret tourism information.
Looking Ahead
The next phase of the Tour Kenya project will involve validating the geospatial data through field-based ground-truthing, identifying market-ready products, and integrating the refined content into national and global marketing platforms such as Magical Kenya. This will significantly enhance Kenya’s visibility and competitiveness as a resilient and diverse tourism destination.
A Milestone for Innovation and Impact
Being named a finalist and receiving the Bronze Mark of Excellence highlights Kenyatta University’s leadership in digital transformation, research excellence, and innovation. It also reinforces the University’s position as a key contributor to shaping Africa’s digital and tourism future.
Appreciation is extended to the organisers of the CIO100 Awards, with congratulations to all finalists and winners who continue to advance Africa’s technology landscape.
Contacts
Dr Esther Munyiri
Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Kenyatta University
Email: kagure.esther@ku.ac.ke
Phone: +254 721 257133