NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug. 15, 2026 — The Wajir Peace University Trust (WAPUT) is holding a major fundraising gala in Nairobi aimed at mobilising strategic partnerships, philanthropic investment and corporate support towards the establishment of Wajir Peace University.
The gala, taking place at Serena Hotel on Saturday, brings together political leaders, trustees, development partners, corporate representatives and other distinguished guests under an initiative seeking to invest in peace, knowledge and the future of Northern Kenya and beyond.
According to the programme, the proposed Wajir Peace University is envisioned as a transformative institution that will advance higher education, peacebuilding, research, innovation and socio-economic development across Northern Kenya and the wider Horn of Africa.
Homa Bay Governor and National Chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), H.E. Gladys Wanga, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address and officially launch the Wajir Peace University fundraising campaign as the event's Guest of Honour.
The programme begins with guest arrival, registration and networking before opening remarks and an introduction to the fundraising gala by Master of Ceremonies Hon. Mohamed Gulleid.
WAPUT Secretary Ms. Halima Shuria is expected to present the vision of Wajir Peace University, outlining its background, rationale and strategic importance to the region.
The presentation is expected to highlight the role the proposed institution could play in expanding access to higher education while positioning education, research and innovation as instruments for peace and sustainable development.
Hon. Mohamed Adow, a WAPUT trustee and Member of Parliament for Wajir South Constituency, is scheduled to lead the special recognition of trustees, development partners and distinguished guests.
WAPUT Chairperson Ms. Nuria Abdullahi will then deliver the Chairperson's Address, followed by remarks from Wajir County Woman Representative Hon. Fatuma Jehow.
The fundraising session will include a presentation of giving opportunities, pledges and corporate commitments, providing individuals, institutions and development partners with an opportunity to support the proposed university's endowment.
The Guest of Honour is thereafter expected to officially proclaim the funds raised in support of the Wajir Peace University Endowment.
The initiative comes amid efforts to strengthen access to higher education and create institutions capable of responding to the distinctive development needs of Northern Kenya.
Beyond academic training, the university's promoters envision an institution that can contribute to peacebuilding and generate research and innovation relevant to communities in the region.
Its establishment is also expected to create a platform for addressing socio-economic development priorities and strengthening knowledge-driven responses to challenges affecting Northern Kenya and the Horn of Africa.
The fundraising gala will conclude with remarks by WAPUT Trustee Ms. Fatuma Abtikadir, followed by a vote of thanks and closing prayer led by Dr. Idle Farah, a WAPUT trustee and Chief Executive Officer of the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC).
Through the fundraising campaign, WAPUT is seeking to build a broad coalition of supporters and partners around its ambition to establish Wajir Peace University as a centre for education, research, innovation and peacebuilding serving Northern Kenya and beyond.