Nairobi, Kenya at the Sarit Expo city on 14th Nov 2025By Stella Ranji In a night marked by celebration and national pride, Ekrah Ndungu—Founder and CEO of the German Institute of Professional Studies (GIPS)—was honored with one of the country’s most coveted recognitions at the Star Brands Awards, winning a top category for Private Colleges and TVET Institutions.


Nairobi, Kenya at the Sarit Expo city on 14th  Nov 2025
By Stella Ranji 

 In a night marked by celebration and national pride, Ekrah Ndungu—Founder and CEO of the German Institute of Professional Studies (GIPS)—was honored with one of the country’s most coveted recognitions at the Star Brands Awards, winning a top category for Private Colleges and TVET Institutions. 
The award solidifies her position as one of East Africa’s most influential voices in vocational education, leadership development, and youth empowerment.

The Star Brands Awards, renowned for spotlighting exemplary institutions and leaders across various sectors, recognized GIPS for its exceptional contribution to skills development, industry-aligned training, and innovative learning models. The win comes at a time when Kenya continues to emphasize TVET transformation as a vehicle for economic growth, making Ndungu’s work especially significant.
A Trailblazer in Technical and Vocational Education
Ekrah Ndungu established the German Institute of Professional Studies in Nairobi with a vision of closing the skills gap among young professionals in Kenya and East Africa. Under her leadership, GIPS has distinguished itself through competency-based training, strong international linkages, and a focus on practical, job-ready skills—an approach that earned the institution its award-winning reputation.
Speaking moments after receiving the award, Ndungu described the recognition as “a testament to resilience, passion, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education.”

A Multi-Faceted Leader with Global Footprints
Beyond her role at GIPS, Ndungu is the Founder of Ekrah Group Ltd, a private consulting firm offering strategic advisory services in business, leadership, and career development.

Her professional credentials span multiple continents:

Essential Business Skills Facilitator/Coach with ABMA Education (UK)

Leadership, Mentorship, and Coaching Expert with the Advanced Leadership Academy (ALAC), Cape Town
Organising Secretary for ALAC East Africa

Certified Life Coach with New Skills Academy (USA)

Careers, Confidence, and Women Empowerment Coach with Udemy

She is widely recognized for her dynamic contributions to leadership training, youth mentorship, and women’s empowerment programs.

Academic and Linguistic Strengths
Ndungu holds both a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship and a Diploma in Business Management from Kenya Methodist University. Her fluency in German, English, Kiswahili, and Kikuyu has positioned her as a key facilitator in cross-cultural training initiatives, particularly in programs that link Kenyan learners with German institutions and opportunities.
A Landmark Victory
Industry experts say her award signals a shift in how private TVET institutions are perceived in Kenya—highlighting the power of visionary leadership and globally informed training. It also affirms Ndungu’s commitment to elevating youth skills, entrepreneurship, and employability in a rapidly evolving job market.

As the applause from the ceremony settles, Ekrah Ndungu’s new accolade stands as a milestone in her relentless pursuit to transform professional education in East Africa—one student, one leader, and one bold idea at a time.

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