Research and innovation is the next frontier in technological advancement and sustainable development in Africa. This was said by Prof. Paul Wambua, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Institutional Advancement and Enterprise, during a workshop began on 5th January, 2026 at Boma Hotel, Nairobi. Speaking during the opening session of a 5-day ‘British Academy International Writing Mentorship Workshop’, Prof. Wambua noted that local and international collaborations and mentorships are critical in driving the socio-economic development agenda. “To develop effectively, we must invest deliberately in research management, mentorship and international partnership.
He asserted that TU-K remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen academic writing, grant acquisition and impactful research.
Prof. Wambua represented the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Benedict Mutua at the event that was convened through a partnership between the University of Glasgow, TU-K, Pwani University and Kenya Medical Research Institute.
The writing mentorship workshop themed; 'Advancing the social sciences in Kenya: An international writing skills workshop and mentorship scheme for future research leaders' is funded by the British Academy with Prof. Cindy Gray from University of Glasgow as the project lead.
The delegation from TU-K was led by Prof. Alfred Orina (Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Research and Technology Development), Dr. Elizabeth Mwaniki (Chair of Department – Health and Biomedical Sciences) and Dr. Mary Clare Kidenda (Chair of Department – Creative Arts and Media).
Prof Halimu Shauri, Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Research and Extension, Pwani University and team lead at the workshop underscored the importance of pulling together technical knowledge, financial resources for the overall good.
“I am really excited to be here because this is the future. In Kenya, we have a challenge of linking resources, finance and education. The new frontier is in research and innovation, this is one of the greatest opportunities for all of us here to engag.”
Some of the topical discussions in the workshop included: writing high-impact articles, and grant proposals, writing skills and tools, authorship and publishing politics, identifying target journals and open access, communicating with editors and funders among other important areas.
The participants are scheduled to tour the British Institute in Eastern Africa for an information session on 8th January, 2026 and later be hosted for a networking dinner at Swiss Belinn Hotel.
Professional Training Opportunities for the Final Year Students and Recent Graduates of the Technical University of Kenya 