University PR Challenge '26
The continental arena where Africa's sharpest student communicators crack real briefs, pitch to industry legends, and walk away with the title — and the network.
Universities
Student competitors
Finalist teams
Countries
Enter the arena
Assemble & apply
Rally your crew of 3–5 students and register your university for the 2026 arena.
Crack the brief
Get a real-world case study and build a campaign that would survive a boardroom.
Pitch live
Take the stage and present your strategy to a panel of industry legends.
Take the title
Win the cup, the prize, and a network of mentors that opens doors for years.
The 2026 Challenge: Redefining Sustainable Growth
This year's case study focuses on the intersection of corporate accountability and pan-African expansion. Teams develop a comprehensive PR strategy for a fictional energy startup navigating complex stakeholder landscapes.
The Stakes
Grand Prize
Grand Prize: $10,000 + Internship Placement
Team size
3-5 Registered Students
Timeline
Submission Deadline: July 15th, 2026
United States International University (USIU)
The 2026 University PR Challenge takes over the USIU campus in Nairobi for one electrifying day — August 25, 2026 — of competition, masterclasses and the energy of a thousand future communicators in one room.
The contenders
Leading institutions across the continent competing for the 2026 cup.
United States International University (USIU)
HostStrathmore University
Mount Kenya University
Riara University
University of Nairobi
Kenyatta University
Daystar University
Makerere University (Uganda)
Ashesi University (Ghana)
University of Cape Town (SA)
Covenant University (Nigeria)
United States International University (USIU)
HostStrathmore University
Mount Kenya University
Riara University
University of Nairobi
Kenyatta University
Daystar University
Makerere University (Uganda)
Ashesi University (Ghana)
University of Cape Town (SA)
Covenant University (Nigeria)
The judges
Alex Owiti
Lead Judge
Alexander PR
Lorraine Onduru
Communications Specialist
Onduru Consulting
Dr. Carolyne Kiarie
Summit Judge
Academic Research Council
Tshego Kekana
Summit Judge
Alfa Destiny Communications
The mentors
Roby Koki Ochieng
University Panelist
USIU
Dr. Arbogast Akidiva
University Panelist
Strathmore University
Dr. Daniel Oloo
University Panelist
Mount Kenya University
Elizabeth Amollo
University Panelist
Riara University
Tshego Kekana
Industry Mentor
Alfa Destiny Communications
Gilad Millo
Industry Mentor
Millo Communications
Mary Njoki
Industry Mentor
GlassHouse PR
Sarah Kagingo
Industry Mentor
Radical PR (Uganda)
Ndidi Nwuneli
Industry Mentor
LEAP Africa
Kwame Senou
Industry Mentor
Opinion & Public BC
Claim your spot
Pick your track and step into the room that's shaping the future of African communications.
Compete / Attend
Register your team to compete, or grab a seat to experience the arena live.
- Free entry to the event
- Access to case briefings & panels
- Elite networking opportunities
Become a Partner
Back emerging talent, tap the continent's best recruitment pool, and lead the conversation.
- Recruitment access
- Elite brand positioning
- Thought leadership
- Continental visibility