Peninah Akampurira Represents International Universities as ARU Showcases Its Competence-Based Education Model

African Rural University (ARU) is gaining continental visibility through the participation of its Guild President, H.E. Peninah Akampurira, at the ongoing International Conference at Moi University in Kenya.

Peninah was selected as the only student leader on the panel representing international universities, placing ARU at the centre of conversations on the future of education and Africa’s transformation.

Her participation has provided an important platform for ARU to share its distinctive approach to education, particularly its emphasis on competence-based education, community-rooted learning, indigenous knowledge, and practical application of knowledge for rural transformation.

Opening Doors for Institutional Partnerships

The conference has already created opportunities for new institutional relationships and partnerships for ARU.

1. Vice Chancellor-Level Engagement

A Vice Chancellor attending the conference has expressed interest in attending ARU’s graduation ceremony later this year. The Vice Chancellor has also invited ARU’s Vice Chancellor to a meeting on 12 November to explore opportunities for institutional collaboration and partnership.

This engagement presents an opportunity for ARU to strengthen academic and institutional networks beyond Uganda and explore areas of mutual interest.

2. Potential Partnership on Indigenous Knowledge

An NGO working in the field of Indigenous Knowledge has also initiated discussions with ARU about a potential partnership.

The emerging relationship aligns closely with ARU’s commitment to recognising and integrating Indigenous and Traditional Wisdom into education and community transformation. It also reflects the growing relevance of ARU’s approach to institutions and organisations working to connect education with local knowledge and community realities.

ARU’s Model Gaining Continental Visibility

Peninah’s participation at the Moi University conference provides a platform for ARU to demonstrate how its educational philosophy contributes to Africa’s evolving education landscape.

Through its Visionary Approach, competence-based education model, practical learning, Indigenous and Traditional Wisdom, and focus on rural transformation, ARU continues to develop an education model that connects academic learning with real-world community transformation.

The participation of the ARU Guild President at such a high-level international forum therefore represents more than student participation. It provides an opportunity for the University’s ideas, values and educational model to be presented to a wider continental audience.

As conversations around the future of African education increasingly focus on relevance, competencies, innovation, indigenous knowledge and community transformation, ARU’s participation positions the University as an important contributor to these conversations.

ARU at the International Conference

The conference brought together academics, university leaders, student representatives and other stakeholders from across the region to engage on issues shaping the future of education in Africa.

In the group photograph are, from left: Dr. Reuben Nthamburi (Educational Ethics, Moi University); Dr. Willimina Netia; Prof. Kiplagat Kotut (Acting Vice Chancellor, Moi University); Dr. Agnes Aldollo (Chancellor, ULSA); H.E. Peninah Akampurira (ARU Guild President); Prof. Margaret Barasa Orina (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Alupe University); Dr. Murari (Assistant, Office of the Dean of Students, Moi University); and the Guild Speaker, Kyambogo University.