The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K), Maseno University, Murang’a University of Technology and the African Science and Technology Policy Institute jointly organised a research networking and proposal writing workshop targeted at mid-level career researchers. The workshop that brought together experts in research was pitched at offering young researchers with critical and technical knowledge in writing winning grant proposals.

The 4-day workshop that attracted representation from 12 universities, was hosted by Murang’a University of Technology, was held early May, 2024.

Prof. Isaac Alfred Orina, DVC Research and Technology Development TU-K gave the keynote address on behalf of the VC, TU-K Prof. Benedict Mutua. The opening remarks were made by the DVC Academic, Research and Students Affairs, Murang’a University of Technology, Prof. Prisca J. Tuitoek, and workshop closed by Prof Dickson Andala, CEO, National Research Fund (NRF) Kenya.

The trainers included; Prof. Manzoor H. Soomro and AP Dr. Nor Ashikin both from International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre (ISTIC) for South-South Cooperation under the auspices of UNESCO (ISTIC-UNESCO) and Dr. Daniel  Nyanganyura of the African Science and Technology Policy Institute (ASTePI), South Africa.

Key discussion areas included:

• Developing participants’ skills in crafting clear, persuasive, and compelling grant proposals
• Providing an understanding of the grant landscape
• Guiding participants in understanding the essential components of a grant proposal, including project design, objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes
• Sharing relevant case studies and best practices in grant writing proposal writing, offering real world examples that illustrate successful approaches
• Encouraging collaboration among participants, fostering a supportive network for ongoing assistance and collaboration in the realm of grant seeking

The training is part of the efforts to fill the low contribution of innovations from the global south as noted by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) https://www.unesco.org/en/recommendation-science

The International Science, Technology, and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation under the auspices of UNESCO (ISTIC-UNESCO) and National Research Fund, Kenya (NRF-Kenya) supported the workshop through financial contribution.

Five member of staff from TU-K who included; Dr. George Okwadha, Ms. Sarah Mutua, Mr. Elly Ajigoh, Ms. Nelly Cherono and Mr. Clifford Obara joined other researchers from; Murang’a University of Technology, Maseno University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, South Eastern Kenya University, University of Embu, Multimedia University of Kenya, University of Nairobi, Kaimosi Friends University, Chuka University, Kirinyaga University and Karatina University.