Kenyatta University (KU) reaffirmed its leadership in education research and innovation during the official launch of the Harnessing Education Research for Impact in Africa (HERI AFRICA) initiative held on February 19, 2026, at Kisii University in Kisii County. The high-level event brought together key education stakeholders and was graced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, who underscored the Government’s commitment to strengthening evidence-based research to inform national education policy and practice.
Speaking at the launch, Kenyatta University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Outreach), Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, emphasized the University’s strong alignment with the newly unveiled National Education Research Agenda (NERA). She noted that KU remains committed to advancing impactful, Africa-led research that addresses real educational challenges and contributes to policy transformation across the continent. Also present was Prof. Samson Ondigi, Executive Dean, School of Education and Lifelong Learning.
HERI AFRICA is a Pan-African collaborative initiative designed to revitalize university-based education research driven by African scholars and institutions. The program aims to strengthen locally grounded research capacity and ensure that African researchers lead in generating solutions tailored to the continent’s unique contexts.
A key component of the initiative is the establishment of Research Chairs to anchor priority thematic areas. Kenyatta University is proud to host one of the inaugural Research Chairs on Life Skills and Values Education, headed by Prof. Jackline Nyerere. The other Research Chairs are in Mathematics Education, hosted at the University of Embu, and Language Education, hosted at Kisii University.
The HERI AFRICA program is led by the Commission for University Education and Zizi Afrique Foundation, and co-implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Kenyatta University, Kisii University, University of Embu, the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Education for Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA), and other stakeholders.
Through this partnership, Kenyatta University will enhance its research capacity, strengthen policy engagement, and expand continental collaboration. As the initiative takes root, the Division of Research, Innovation and Outreach remains dedicated to fostering high-quality research that not only advances scholarship but also delivers meaningful impact to communities across Kenya and beyond.