Kisii University Hosts Continent-Wide Education Research Push

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi Ogamba has unveiled plans for a dedicated State Department for Research, emphasizing the government’s commitment to evidence-based reforms in Kenya’s education sector.
Speaking at Kisii University during the Higher Education Research Initiative Africa (HERI Africa) launch, Ogamba called on universities to prioritize research as fundamental rather than supplementary to teaching.
“Higher education institutions are not merely teaching centers. They have evolved into hubs of innovation and problem-solving for real-world issues. HERI Africa aims to transition research from theoretical papers to practical applications,” he stated.
HERI Africa represents a continental collaboration focused on enhancing education research, broadening financial support, and increasing policy impact throughout Africa, with the ambitious objective of the continent influencing global education theories by 2050.
According to Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof Nathan Ogechi, the institution has made significant contributions to international research output, despite Africa representing only three percent of global education research readership.
He highlighted the continent’s target of contributing at least 30 percent to global education research by 2050, noting that Kenya’s adoption of the Competency-Based Curriculum has elevated the importance of education research.
“Language serves as the foundation of education. Strong literacy competencies enhance mathematics, sciences, and life skills. Languages play vital roles in human resource development and creating inclusive societies,” he explained.
The VC further disclosed that the university board has implemented new academic advancement criteria featuring two distinct pathways: a teaching-and-research track and a research-intensive track enabling academics to allocate up to 90 percent of their time to research and development, particularly at postgraduate levels.
Kisii University will serve as the host for the East Africa Research Chair in Language Education, while other public universities will accommodate chairs in mathematics and quantitative analysis.
Chief Executive Officer of the Commission for University Education, Mike Kuria, cautioned that 90 percent of graduates lack essential life and professional competencies, questioning the relevance of current higher education.
“Africa’s education research environment confronts challenges such as donor-influenced priorities, frameworks that disregard African contexts, insufficient capacity, and ineffective engagement with policymakers,” he remarked, pointing out that less than 10 percent of research reaches decision-makers or communities in practical formats.
The HERI Africa initiative seeks to develop institutional capabilities, diversify research funding sources, advance gender balance, and promote African-centered research approaches.
By 2030, a minimum of three nations are projected to join this initiative.
Dr. Henry Kilonzo of Safaricom and the M-Pesa Foundation emphasized education’s role as a powerful equalizer, revealing investments of approximately Sh250 million in school infrastructure upgrades throughout Kisii County, alongside collaborations with seven universities and a recent Sh254 million project at the University of Embu.
“We must evaluate whether our investments are based on sound evidence and whether we effectively convert knowledge into meaningful impact,” he said.
Vice President at Imaginable Futures, Dr. Laila Macharia, committed funding for community-driven research, introducing a matching fund of 200 dollars for each dollar raised.
Regarding gender and inclusion, Zizi Afrique Foundation Board Chairperson Dr. Kahaki Kimani announced that the foundation would spearhead resource mobilization efforts to strengthen national research funding capabilities.
Dr. Purity Ngina of the National Gender Research Agenda outlined how the five-year framework prioritizes fairness, accessibility, learners with disabilities, and individuals affected by poverty and displacement.
Kisii University Council Chairperson Sarah Ruto reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to global competitiveness while maintaining local relevance, while County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga emphasized that research will be crucial in identifying disparities and ensuring fair distribution of educational resources.