Research output is regarded as an important yard stick for measuring the success of academic institutions, says George Magoha, Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi, adding that research in Kenyan universities is severely constrained by lack of funds; “most research activities then depend on donor support.”
The VC says that notwithstanding this, Kenyan universities are making progress towards improving research by increasing their research kitty using internally generated funds. The University of Nairobi has in particular intensified collaboration with local and international partners which has resulted in a substantial increase in research grants made available.
Magoha singles out Dr. Elizabeth Obimbo of the department of Paediatrics and Child Health for sourcing a staggering $ 2.8 million (Ksh 210 million) for research activities this academic year. “We now receive from donors an average Kshs. 800 million annually on top of Kshs 100 million set aside by the university council for research.”
Indeed, “Universities should appreciate that we live in a globalized society,” say Prof. Ali Mazurui, the former Chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), “for this reason, solutions to national problems (research funds) need to be sought form both within and outside the country.”
The U.S Ambassador Michael Ranneberger says that universities in the USA, such as Harvard, MIT or Princeton, started small and with little funding. “Over the years they build a good reputation for excellence in quality teaching, research, and as an academic community. They have become a point of reference for other universities and for society as a whole.”
Ranneberger challenges Kenyan university to develop a culture of continuous improvement in order for them to play a transformational role – for individuals, communities, and the nation; through research and teaching, knowledge disseminate and community projects involvement.
Prof Shem Wandiga, the chairman of Kenya Chemical Societies (KCS) says that as a society they are set to ensure that their research findings and recommendations are integrated in Kenyan industries. But the society is challenging the government to fortify research in Kenyan Universities by contracting them in local research works instead of highering researchers from out side the country.
Yes, the University of Nairobi, VC, says that Kenyan universities are committed to maintain high academic standards. “We have strengthened our infrastructure by initiating new projects to increase space, proper maintenance of existing buildings and equipment, integration of ICT in our operations especially teaching and research,” adding that, “we have also continued to train staff to the highest level, to admit the best students and to enhance linkages with our partners.”
However, Kenyan universities are ranked poorly in the international score board – and among the reasons attributed are: dismal research out put and publication in specialist journals, communal involvement, on-line presence, and lack of new knowledge creation.
Gradually Kenyan institutions of higher learning are prioritizing e-learning – as a tool towards mining current teaching content and research ingredients. All revered journals can be accessed on-line. Indeed, no update research is complete without access to the Internet.
In this regard, for example, Kenyatta University – the Kenyan pioneer of Africa Virtual University is fortifying a digitalised library to embrace the reality of present day learning and researching. The library is under construction.
“To date, we now have 126 courses on our e-learning platform actively accessed by our students,” explains University of Nairobi VC, “we have in addition integrated the SMIS into e-learning to ensure our students benefit from quality learning materials. Preparations are underway to roll out e-learning at Extra-Mural centres countrywide.”
Prof. Ratemo Michieka the former VC of JKUAT says that Kenyan government should give research it's rightful place to realize vision 2030; “lack of research is like driving at night without head lights.”
The permanent secretary in the ministry of communications, Dr. Bitange Ndemo, challenges Kenyan Universities to be an answer to the much needed new and contextual knowledge by the Kenyan citizens to spear head development.
Ndemo says that with the envisioned digital villages across the country Kenyan universities need to prepare community tailored curricula to empower respective communities. Universities can avail their research findings and recommendations to the people – on-line.
Kenyans researchers have a challenge of documenting their research findings in every day language for the common Kenyan benefit albeit research funds challenge.
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