He’s very outspoken and friendly – this is what first struck me about Cliffton Nyakundi the first time I met him, at Impact Week 2020 at ANU.
He was serving alongside 4 others on the judges’ panel, the ultimate responsibility – to appraise the viability and innovation of various models developed by ANU students to tackle various challenges in our society today.
It was a full-circle moment for Nyakundi: his extraordinary journey began right here at Africa Nazarene University when he took part in one of the special programs on campus and today, just 2 years later, he was back wearing a very different hat, that of a judge; having stood on the other side of the aisle not too long ago and today, imparting to the next generation of leaders knowledge and advice based on firsthand experience in the world of entrepreneurship.
In 2018, Nyakundi successfully competed in the Hult Prize on-campus program and advanced all the way through to the global finals, scoring a top 20 finish at the regionals, backed all the way through by the University. He consequently landed a valuable internship role with the foundation and subsequently rose to his current role: Africa Regional Analyst, Hult Prize Foundation where he continues to champion enterprise support programs for fellow young people.
Recognising his success story is inextricably tied to ANU’s special on-campus programs, Nyakundi is joyed at every opportunity to give back and support these programs; and never fails to encourage fellow students to rise to the challenge and take part in these programs which present a unique opportunity to grow as budding entrepreneurs and professionals.