A significant milestone in advancing research-led education has been realised with the official launch of the HERI Africa Research Chair in Life Skills and Values Education, a strategic initiative poised to position the institution at the forefront of transformative and impact-driven scholarship across the continent.
The launch, held at the International Languages and Culture Centre (ILCC), convened key stakeholders from academia, government and the research community. The event marked the beginning of a progressive partnership between the University and HERI Africa, aimed at redefining the role of research in shaping responsive and inclusive education systems across Africa.
Representing the Ag. VC, Prof. John Okumu, the DVC (Academic), Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, reaffirmed the University鈥檚 commitment to excellence in research, innovation and community impact. She observed that the establishment of the Research Chair aligns with the broader institutional vision of nurturing relevant, responsive and globally competitive scholarship that addresses pressing societal needs.
The Guest Speaker, represented by Prof. Mike Kuria, Chief Executive Officer of the Commission for University Education (CUE), described the initiative as both timely and strategic. He noted that the Research Chair has the potential to revolutionise education systems by embedding life skills and values within learning frameworks, while strengthening evidence-based policy and practice across the region.
鈥淭his initiative reflects the direction higher education must take, towards research that is practical, transformative and responsive to societal needs,鈥� he remarked, underscoring the importance of collaborative approaches in building resilient and future-ready education systems.
The partnership received strong endorsement from participating institutions, including the Commission for University Education (CUE), Mizizi Elimu Africa, National Research Fund, University of Embu, Kisii University, Africa Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) and Education Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA). Representatives commended the collaboration for advancing a model capable of generating impactful research to transform education systems across Africa.
In his remarks, Dr. John Mugo, Executive Director of Mizizi Elimu Africa, emphasised the need to bridge the gap between research and practice. He noted that the initiative will catalyse a shift towards scholarship that delivers measurable societal impact while strengthening global competitiveness and informing policy and practice.
Additional support was expressed by representatives from the Ministry of Education, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KECSHA), Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), APHRC, ESSA and the ALiVE programme.
The launch signals continued leadership in advancing research excellence and fostering strategic partnerships that drive innovation, policy development and sustainable impact, with a shared commitment to leveraging research as a catalyst for educational transformation across Africa.