Eleven universities from Kenya will compete in the 2026 Africa University Public Relations Challenge (AUPRC), setting the stage for what organisers describe as the biggest edition of the competition since its inception.
The contest will be held on August 25, 2026, in Nairobi, a day before the start of the Africa Global Public Relations Week (AGPRW) 2026.
It will bring together some of Africa's brightest communications students to test their strategic thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills in a real-world public relations environment.
The competition has experienced remarkable growth, with the number of participating institutions rising from four in the inaugural 2025 edition to eleven this year, reflecting increasing interest in public relations education and strategic communications across the continent.
The participating universities are United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa), Strathmore University, Riara University, Mount Kenya University, St. Paul's University, University of Johannesburg, Zetech University, KCA University, Multimedia University of Kenya, University of Nairobi and Daystar University.
The challenge aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice by allowing students to tackle practical communication challenges similar to those faced by organisations, governments and corporations.
Returning as the Academic Partner for the second consecutive year is Aga Khan University, underscoring its continued commitment to supporting the development of future communication professionals in Africa.
Dr Caroline Kiarie, Assistant Professor of Strategic
Communications at Aga Khan University's Graduate School of Media, welcomed the
increased participation, saying it demonstrates the growing recognition of
public relations as a critical profession across the continent.
"The growth of the Africa University Public Relations Challenge from four institutions to eleven in just one year demonstrates the increasing interest among students and universities in strategic communication as a profession," said Kiarie.
"This platform provides young practitioners with an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to practical industry challenges while engaging with some of the leading minds in the profession. We are proud to continue supporting this initiative as the Academic Partner."
She noted that the competition offers students invaluable exposure to industry expectations while enabling them to sharpen practical skills that complement their academic training.
Participants will present strategic communication solutions
before a panel of four experienced industry professionals, who will assess them
based on strategic thinking, creativity, research, presentation skills and the
overall quality of their proposed campaigns.
Judge Alex Owiti said the growing diversity of participating institutions signals the rapid development of public relations education in Africa.
"The calibre and diversity of universities participating this year is a testament to the growing maturity of public relations education in Africa. Beyond identifying winners, this challenge is about nurturing future leaders who will shape how organisations, governments and communities communicate in an increasingly complex world," said Owiti.
Organisers said the challenge has quickly established itself as one of Africa's premier platforms for identifying emerging communications talent while strengthening collaboration between universities and the public relations industry.
They added that the competition provides students with an opportunity to engage directly with seasoned professionals, receive constructive feedback and build networks that could shape their future careers.
The challenge also serves as a curtain-raiser for the Africa Global Public Relations Week 2026, which is expected to attract communication professionals, policymakers, business leaders, academics and students from across Africa and beyond.
The conference will focus on discussions around the future of strategic communication, reputation management, innovation in public relations and Africa's evolving global narrative.
