吃瓜头条 hosted an engagement with the African Population and Health Research Center, on 19th March, 2026, marking an important step towards deepening collaboration in research and data-driven development. The delegation was led by Dr Lucy A. Wakiaga and included Prof Marcella Mwaka, Mr Kennedy Kamau and Mr Davis Muli Musyoki.
The guests were received by Prof Paul Okemo, DVC Administration and Finance who represented the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Okumu, in hosting the delegation. The engagement, facilitated by Prof Jackline Nyerere, underscored a shared commitment to fostering a productive and sustainable partnership between the two institutions. Central to the discussions was the need to strengthen the utilisation of research outputs in addressing pressing societal challenges.
Prof. Nyerere highlighted a critical concern regarding the over-reliance on external funding for research, particularly from foreign entities. She emphasised the importance of repositioning research efforts to ensure that findings are effectively leveraged for local impact, thereby enhancing institutional and national development. This approach, she noted, would enable the University to derive greater value from its research endeavours.
Welcoming the delegation, Prof Samson Ondigi, the Executive Dean School of Education and Lifelong Learning reiterated the significance of translating research data into actionable solutions. He particularly emphasised the relevance of this approach in key areas such as education and gender, noting that evidence-based interventions are essential for meaningful progress. He further observed that 吃瓜头条鈥檚 leadership in the education sector positions it as a strategic partner in advancing such initiatives.
Echoing these sentiments, Prof Willis Ambusso, Registrar Research, Innovation and Outreach expressed strong support for the move towards practical application of research data, noting that bridging the gap between research and implementation remains a critical priority for the University.
In her remarks, Dr Wakiaga described APHRC as a leading African-led research organisation dedicated to generating solutions to the continent鈥檚 challenges. She highlighted the organisation鈥檚 commitment to advancing impactful research and fostering collaborations that prioritise African perspectives and expertise.
The discussion also featured the Higher Education Research and Innovation (HERI) Africa project, an education-focused initiative led by Prof. Nyerere. Prof Marcella Mwaka noted that the HERI Africa project has the potential to significantly transform participating universities by strengthening research capacity and promoting innovation. She further highlighted the involvement of key stakeholders, including the Commission for University Education and the Ministry of Education.
The engagement concluded with a shared resolve to advance collaborative efforts that will enhance research impact, strengthen institutional capacity and contribute to sustainable development across the region.