Basco Paints Honours Students for Academic Excellence

The Faculty of Built Environment and Design honored outstanding students for their academic excellence during the Basco Dura Paints Merit Awards Ceremony, held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Space 108.

The ceremony was organized by the Faculty in collaboration with Basco Dura Paints and the Department of Architecture. It brought together students, awardees, parents, lecturers, university officials and industry representatives to celebrate academic achievement.

A total of 21 students received awards. The top three students in each of seven undergraduate programmes were recognised. The programmes were Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Quantity Surveying, Bachelor of Construction Management, Bachelor of Real Estate, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Arts in Design.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chair of the Department of Architecture, Prof. Robert Rukwaro, congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged them to continue working hard in their studies and future careers.

The Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment and Design, Prof. Owiti Kakumu, welcomed the guests and thanked Basco Dura Paints for its continued support in recognising outstandinLg student performance.

Prof. Kakumu said partnerships between universities and industry are important in preparing students for professional practice. He noted that universities provide academic and technical training, while industry partnerships give students exposure to practical work, innovation and changing professional needs.

He also welcomed the recognition of students in Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering and Design. He noted that the initiative benefits students from both the Faculty of Built Environment and Design and the Faculty of Engineering.

Basco Paints Managing Director, Mr. Kamlesh Shah, also congratulated the students and spoke about the importance of supporting academic excellence and preparing students for their professional careers.

Other speakers included the President of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), Arch. George Arabbu, the Chairman of the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors Arch. Sylvester Muli, Chairpersons of departments within the Faculty of Built Environment and Design, and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

The ceremony celebrated the students' academic achievements and highlighted the importance of collaboration between the faculty of built environment, University of Nairobi, and Industry in supporting students and preparing them for professional practice.