The 4-year project funded by UKRI and the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) from the Growing Research Capability is led by the University of Liverpool (UoL, UK) to the tune of British Pound Sterling 7.7 million.
It has also emerged that Professional Research Managers need to come to the aid of the Researchers. This was revealed during the two days EARIMA Conference that was held from December 2-4, 2019 at the University of Nairobi.
Dr. Yohannes noted that the University delivered beyond their expectation. He urged the University management to participate in Intra-Africa academic mobility program where 3 different universities from different regions of the continent apply to have their students study and have exchanges amongst themselves. He also urged UoN to participate in the Africa Quality standards rating (AQSR).
The Core objectives for the meeting were:
1. To emphasize the importance of website for the wider university agenda
2. Understand the roles of different players in website success
3. Highlights of UoN website Policy framework
4. Strategies for ensuring good performance
5. And collective team spirit on Way forward
The event was graced by the Chancellor, Dr. (Mrs.) Rattansi, Ag. Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Mbeche and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Julius Ogeng’o
Speaking during the event, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, University of Nairobi Chancellor, observed that the University of Nairobi has been leading in conducting HIV – AIDs research through the College of Health Sciences. She observed that HIV-AIDs is the most destructive epidemic that has claimed so many lives in the past. “Evidence suggests that HIV-AIDs prevalence is not increasing, but is stable. Stigma is on the downward trend and many people are seeking treatment. Let us not lose focus, we need zero infections,” she said.
“The aim of this on-boarding session was to develop the skills of students and train them to become potential employers,” says John Kamau, Workmate Manager. “Where the world is heading, one will need to do more than one job to sustain themselves.”
With the rising number of unemployed graduates, there is now need for students to learn new skills to enable them take up more virtual jobs. Kenya has a big percentage of an elite youth market with the right skills and training but with nowhere to go. One may wonder where the jobs are.
Technologies can be applied in satellite communication where data is transmitted through internet connectivity; this enables us to communicate globally. Currently there are many satellites taking images which are being used to monitor information from the surface of the earth. Hon. Wilber Ottichllo, Governor Vihiga County, and an alumnus University of Nairobi discussed this during a public lecture on Space Science at the University of Nairobi, College of Biological and Physical Sciences.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank Report on the state of sanitation in Kenya, only 29% and 59% have access to safe sanitation and clean drinking water respectively.
During a televised debate at the University of Nairobi involving the academic, industry and government, it was reported that many cases of health issues are related to drinking non-clean water. The lively debate was moderated by NTV Host Smirti Vidyathi on November 18, 2019.
The student-led campaign saw students from all universities in Kenya participate in petitioning for policies set in higher learning institutions for both students and staff to adhere to. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the ill vice that has plagued most students in higher learning institutions and has been the cause of hopelessness, depression and suicide among the youth.
