Kabarak University successfully hosted and participated in the Inter-University Hackfest 2026, held on 21 February 2026 at the Main Campus. The event brought together students, software and hardware engineers, and technology enthusiasts from various universities under the theme “Build. Collaborate. Innovate.”

The hackathon provided a vibrant platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on innovation, and practical problem-solving using emerging technologies. As the host institution, Kabarak University played a pivotal role in facilitating the event through institutional coordination, student engagement, and innovation leadership.

A key highlight of the event was the active involvement of the Kabarak University Innovation Club, which mobilized student participation, supported team coordination, and promoted a culture of creativity and experimentation throughout the hackfest. Club members worked collaboratively with peers from other institutions to design and prototype solutions addressing real-world technological challenges.

In addition, Pixel Electric participated as one of the innovation and technology partners, supporting the hardware and engineering components of the hackathon and enhancing participants’ exposure to practical electronics and applied technology solutions.

The hackfest was organized by the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Outreach in partnership with IDXHub and was supported by a range of ecosystem partners and sponsors, including GitHub, the ICT Authority, Pixel Electric, the Kabarak University Innovation Club, and other innovation stakeholders. 

Through this event, Kabarak University students demonstrated competencies in software development, hardware design, data-driven innovation, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, while gaining valuable experience in teamwork, critical thinking, and rapid prototyping.

Awards and Recognition

The hackfest concluded with the recognition of outstanding projects across Gold, Silver, and Bronze award categories. All participants received event merchandise and complimentary Cursor points in recognition of their contributions. In addition, the winning teams were awarded cash prizes as follows: Gold – KES 15,000; Silver – KES 10,000; and Bronze – KES 5,000.

The award winners were:

The Inter-University Hackfest 2026 aligns with the University’s strategic focus on innovation-driven education, experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and industry engagement, further reinforcing its position as a leading hub for technology and innovation in the region.