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Tag: University of Nairobi

  • Women’s empowerment in agriculture key to Kenya’s economic growth, experts say

    Women’s empowerment in agriculture key to Kenya’s economic growth, experts say

    Stakeholders from academia, research institutions, media, and civil society convened to mark International Women’s Week 2026 with a high level forum highlighting the critical role women play in Kenya’s agricultural economy and the urgent need to address systemic barriers limiting their participation and productivity.

    Held under the theme “Women Cultivating Opportunity”, the event brought together leading experts and practitioners to examine the challenges faced by women farmers and explore policy and investment solutions to strengthen their economic empowerment.

    Opening the forum, Zubeida Kananu, President of the Kenya Editors Guild, reflected on the often overlooked contribution of women in agriculture. She shared a personal story about her mother, whose daily labor supported both family and community despite facing barriers to land ownership, credit, and modern agricultural technologies.

    “My late mother loved feeding people. Through her small kibanda she supported farmers, educated her children, and nourished a community. Her story reminds us that behind every thriving food system are women quietly feeding a nation.” — Zubeidah Kananu.

    ” Across Kenya, women farmers and agripreneurs give so much every single day. They cultivate the land, feed families, sustain local markets, and support entire value chains. Through their work, they are not only providing food — they are creating opportunity, supporting livelihoods, and strengthening communities.” She added.

    She noted that too often, the stories of women farmers and agripreneurs remain underreported.

    “Today’s event challenges us to strengthen evidence-based, gender-responsive journalism — journalism that highlights both the challenges women face and the innovative solutions emerging across the country. We must ensure that the stories of women cultivating opportunity — in farms, markets, cooperatives, and agri-tech spaces — are told with the depth, accuracy, and visibility they deserve.” She urged.

    Women Drive Agriculture but Face Structural Barriers

    Delivering a keynote presentation, Prof. Mary Mbithi – Team Leader at the University of Nairobi WEE Hub and a Professor of Economics at the University, highlighted the disproportionate role women play in Kenya’s agricultural sector. Women account for 70–80 percent of the agricultural labor force yet represent only 33 percent of formal wage employment in the sector. Even more striking, women receive less than 10 percent of agricultural credit, despite working longer hours on farms and in households.

    Professor Mbiti emphasized that structural barriers, including limited land ownership rights, restrictive cultural norms, and limited access to finance, continue to hinder women’s full economic participation. “Addressing these barriers is not just a gender issue; it is an economic imperative,” she noted.

    “Closing the gender gap in agriculture can significantly improve productivity, food security, and household incomes.” She called for policies that strengthen women’s land and inheritance rights, expand access to affordable finance, and support women-led enterprises across agricultural value chains.

    Education and Policy Reform Critical to Women’s Participation

    Also speaking at the forum, Dr. Lucy Wakiaga – Associate Research Scientist at the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), underscored the role of education and policy reform in addressing gender inequality in agriculture.

    Dr. Wakiaga pointed to persistent disparities in education — particularly in STEM fields — that limit women’s opportunities to adopt new agricultural technologies and participate in higher-value segments of the agricultural economy.

    “Educational inequality directly affects women’s productivity and leadership in agriculture,” she said. “If we want inclusive economic growth, we must invest in gender-responsive education systems and remove the cultural stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing science and technology.”

    She further highlighted the development cost of gender inequality, noting that closing gender gaps could significantly boost agricultural productivity and strengthen national food security.

    Recognizing the Invisible Burden of Unpaid Work

    Panel discussions also examined the disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work carried by women, which limits their ability to participate fully in economic activities. Participants emphasized the need for investments in social infrastructure, including childcare services and labour-saving technologies, to reduce the time women spend on unpaid domestic work and enable them to engage more actively in income-generating activities.

    Partnerships and Inclusive Approaches

    Speakers called for stronger partnerships among governments, research institutions, development partners, and the private sector to scale technologies and innovations that respond to the needs of women farmers.

    The forum also highlighted the importance of including men and youth in women’s empowerment initiatives to ensure sustainable progress within households and communities.

    Innovative approaches discussed included youth- and women-led quality centers that connect farmers to markets, strengthen quality standards, and create opportunities along agricultural value chains.

    A Call to Action

    The event concluded with a call for policy reforms, increased investment in women farmers, and stronger data collection to guide evidence-based decision-making.

    Participants agreed that placing women at the center of agricultural development is essential to achieving inclusive economic growth, strengthening food systems, and building resilient rural economies.

    “Empowering women farmers is one of the most powerful investments we can make in Kenya’s future,” speakers emphasized.

  • Education CS inaugurates new UoN Council, calls for teamwork 

    Education CS inaugurates new UoN Council, calls for teamwork 

    Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has officially inaugurated the new University Council for the University of Nairobi, urging its members to work collaboratively, respect institutional boundaries, and refrain from micromanaging the university’s management.

    Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the University of Nairobi, CS Ogamba emphasized the need for teamwork, mutual respect, and adherence to proper governance structures.

    The new council will be chaired by seasoned academic and administrator, Prof. Chacha Nyagoiti Chacha.

    The Cabinet Secretary cautioned against a repeat of the challenges that plagued the previous council, including overreach, internal conflicts, and attempts to discipline staff actions that fell outside the council’s mandate.

    “Just do your job and don’t micromanage the management and staff of the university, as we saw with the previous team that purported to discipline staff and make such decisions,” said CS Ogamba.

    He noted that the disbanded council had failed due to a lack of consultation, encroachment into management roles, and dysfunction, which not only damaged the institution’s reputation but also hindered the formation of key partnerships.

    The CS further decried the university’s high number of legal battles, reportedly over 200 court cases, which he said are depleting public resources and shifting focus from the institution’s core academic mission.

    “Your first assignment is to examine these cases and see how to handle them, including compromises that could ease the burden off the university and the public so that it is back to doing its job,” he said.

    He advised the council to engage widely, including consulting the Office of the Attorney General, to ensure decisions are legally sound and in the best interest of the university.

    The University of Nairobi, Kenya’s oldest and largest institution of higher learning, is poised for renewed governance and stability under the new council’s stewardship.

  • MKU ranked among top five universities in Kenya

    MKU ranked among top five universities in Kenya

    Mount Kenya University (MKU) has been ranked among the top five universities in Kenya in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, the institutions first-ever appearance on this global list.

    Out of 2,526 universities worldwide, MKU stood out for making real impact in areas that matter most: Good health and well-being, quality education, reduced inequalities and global partnerships. “This recognition affirms our mission to be a center of excellence in education, research, and community service,” says MKU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi.

    “The achievement reflects how we continue to support students and communities through donations, free medical camps, classroom construction, research, and international programmes such as Erasmus+,” added the VC.

    The announcement, made on 18th June 2025, revealed that 2,526 universities from 130 countries and territories were evaluated for their progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Impact Rankings recognize institutions that are making meaningful contributions to sustainable development, environmental responsibility, and social impact on a global scale.

    Several other Kenyan universities are also featured in the rankings, including Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Moi University, Egerton University, Strathmore University, and Maseno University. Rongo University is anked 25th in the Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings.

    The rankings assess universities’ contributions to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. MKU is the United Nation’s Academic Impact hub chair for SDG for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

    Prof Jaganyi said the ranking reflects MKU’s commitment to holistic development for its students and the wider community. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the university supports sustainability activities such as donations to needy causes, construction of classrooms in underserved areas, community-based research to address local challenges as well as free medical camps and public health outreach programmes.

    “MKU remains steadfast in its mission to be a center of excellence in education, research, and community service. This recognition affirms our commitment to contributing meaningfully to global sustainable development and empowering communities through knowledge,” a jubilant Prof Jaganyi added.

    In terms of global partnerships, MKU has established strong linkages with both local and international institutions. These partnerships support joint efforts in teaching, research, innovation, mentorship, and cultural exchange. Notably, MKU recently participated in the Erasmus+ Exchange Programme with the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava (UCM), where 15 representatives (8 faculty members and 7 postgraduate students) took part in a knowledge and cultural exchange visit.

    The 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings saw a significant increase in global participation, with over 2,500 universities submitting data for assessment against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This represents an 18 per cent rise compared to 2024, with notable growth from universities in Africa and Asia. The rankings evaluate universities based on their contributions to the SDGs, which aim to create a better and more sustainable world by 2030.

    The University of Oxford of United Kingdom,  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (United States),  Harvard University (United States) and Princeton University (United States) led the global overall rankings in that order. However, universities in East and South-east Asia are improving rapidly when it comes to their contributions towards sustainable development, according to the latest Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

    A South Korean and an Indonesian university now make the top 10 of the overall ranking, which assesses universities’ progress on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while 10 out of the 17 individual SDG rankings are now led by an Asian university, up from five last year.

    On the University sustainability rankings 2025,  Western Sydney University in Australia is number one overall for fourth consecutive year.  Indonesia’s Universitas Airlangga, in joint ninth place, is most sustainable institution from an emerging economy.  Asian universities claim more than half of all places in the rankings, and 10 out of the 17 individual SDG rankings are now led by an Asian university

    Eight countries/territories make their debut in the sustainability rankings this year: Botswana, Burkina Faso, El Salvador, Estonia, Maldives, Namibia, Papua New Guinea and Senegal

  • Report on the status of the Kenyan economy to be released on Tuesday

    Report on the status of the Kenyan economy to be released on Tuesday

    Department of Economics and Development Studies (DEDS), University of Nairobi and World Bank Group have jointly organized the Launch of the Public Finance Review and Kenya Economic Update Edition No. 31.

    The event will be held on Tuesday May 27, 2025, at The University of Nairobi, Chandaria Hall.

    To support the dialogue on economic and fiscal issues, the World Bank will launch its annual flagship report, the Kenya Economic Update, together with a new Public Finance Review which focuses on fiscal policy for growth and jobs.

    The target audience includes government officials, policy makers, academia, think tanks, researchers, development partners, media, private sector, youth, and civil society organizations among others.

  • Rabies vaccine boost in Kenya and Tanzania to cut deaths: study

    Rabies vaccine boost in Kenya and Tanzania to cut deaths: study

    A new study published in the Journal Vaccine reveals that improvements in the supply chain and delivery of human rabies vaccines in Tanzania and Kenya could significantly reduce preventable deaths and ensure more efficient use of health budgets.

    The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Glasgow, Ifakara Health Institute, the Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA) at the University of Nairobi, the University of Edinburgh, and Washington State University, with support from the Wellcome Trust.

    It demonstrates that adopting the World Health Organization (WHO) -recommended intradermal (ID) vaccination method—which enables a single vial to treat multiple patients—can reduce overall vaccine use by more than 55%. This approach also significantly lowers the risk of stockouts, even in rural areas where patient visits are less frequent.

    Rabies is one of the world’s deadliest diseases—particularly in low- and middle-income countries—causing around 59,000 deaths annually, despite the availability of effective post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Many of these deaths occur because people cannot access timely treatment with the PEP vaccines. Frequent stockouts, high costs, and long travel distances to clinics present serious barriers to care.

    This modelling study evaluates vaccine demand, supply chain challenges, and management strategies using real-world data from Kenya and Tanzania. It examines how rabies vaccine supply chains can be strengthened to ensure people exposed to the rabies virus receive timely, life-saving protection.

    The researchers found that by adopting WHO recommendations of intradermal use in clinics with multiple bite patients daily, improving restocking strategies, and decentralizing PEP services, countries can strengthen their readiness to deliver PEP more efficiently and effectively.

    “It is unacceptable that people are still dying from rabies when effective vaccines are available,” said Martha Luka, lead author of the study and a postgraduate researcher at the University of Glasgow.  “By improving stock management and adopting dose-sparing intradermal vaccination, countries can protect more people with fewer resources.”

    The study also analyzed how vaccines are currently distributed and restocked across various health facilities. In Tanzania, where PEP is usually available only at central hospitals, decentralizing access to more local clinics can improve equity and access—especially for those in remote areas.

    A young child receives a life-saving rabies vaccination at a local health facility – early post-exposure treatment is critical to preventing the fatal disease.

    To avoid shortages, restocking strategies must be tailored to the average number of patients seen at each facility. The researchers developed simple, setting-specific rules for determining how much stock is needed and when to reorder—supporting health systems to respond swiftly to sudden surges in demand.

    “We have provided a practical and evidence-based roadmap to improve how rabies vaccines are delivered in Tanzania, said Kennedy Lushasi, a co-author of the study and a researcher at the Ifakara Health Institute. “By integrating vaccines into routine supply chains and expanding access to local clinics, we can save lives, reduce costs, and protect the most vulnerable. We call upon policymakers and public health leaders to act now. Every life lost to rabies is a tragedy– one we now have the tools to prevent. Let’s make those tools available to everyone, everywhere,” he added.

    These strategies come at a pivotal moment as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance begins investing in expanded access to human rabies vaccines, supporting efforts to achieve zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Gavi’s approach includes integrating rabies vaccines into national immunization supply chains across Africa, Asia, and other Gavi-supported countries. This must be coupled with vaccinations of dogs, which are the main sources of rabies in humans.

    “Gavi’s investment is a transformative milestone for public health in Africa and Asia,” said Mumbua Mutunga, co-author and PhD Fellow at the Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA), University of Nairobi. “Our research shows that with the right supply chain strategies and adoption of dose-saving intradermal injections, countries can move beyond reactive responses to sustained, reliable protection – helping to prevent the heartbreaking and unnecessary loss of life, especially among children in underserved communities.”

    “Strategic investment and data-driven planning as demonstrated in our publication are not just good to have – they are critical in making emergency vaccines accessible, dependable, and timely,” Mutunga added. “This is how we reach the communities that have been left out for far too long, preventing avoidable rabies deaths.”

    “With the right strategies in place, achieving Zero by 30 is entirely possible,” Luka concluded. “Now is the time for countries to leverage Gavi’s investment to build strong, resilient systems that guarantee timely access to PEP for everyone at risk.”

  • Experts call for vernacular language use in schools, revival of reading culture

    Experts call for vernacular language use in schools, revival of reading culture

    Experts are calling for the promotion of vernacular languages in schools and the revival of a declining reading culture amid the rise of digital media.

    Speaking at a forum at Zetech University’s Ruiru Campus during the launch of “I”, a book by Dr. Daniel Mwai, education scholars stressed the need to integrate vernacular languages into learning.

    Dr. Theophilus Kyando of the Technical University of Kenya attributed students’ struggles in mathematics and science to language barriers, arguing that teaching in vernacular would improve comprehension.

    He criticized the preference for English and other Western languages, noting that while Western nations preserve and globalize their native tongues, African languages remain marginalized.

    Professor Oyier Nyaruath of the University of Nairobi underscored the importance of a reading culture, citing Sweden as an example of a country that once prioritized digital media over books, only to later reinstate reading after recognizing a knowledge gap.

    Zetech University Vice-Chancellor Professor Njenga Munene lauded such forums for fostering intellectual growth, noting that engagements with experts enrich academic discourse and sharpen students’ minds.

  • Prof. Hutchinson takes helm as acting VC of UoN

    Prof. Hutchinson takes helm as acting VC of UoN

    The Council of the University of Nairobi, led by its Chair Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, Monday witnessed the official takeover of office by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson.

    Prof. Hutchinson was appointed to the position on Friday, 2nd August 2024, following the suspension of Prof. Stephen Kiama Gitahi.

    In a move aimed at strengthening the university’s management, the University of Nairobi Council has also announced several key appointments.

    Prof. Ayub Gitau, the former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, has been appointed as the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. Prof. Francis Mulaa, who previously served as the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, has taken over as the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise.

    The changes come at a pivotal time for the University of Nairobi, as it seeks to reinforce its position as a leading institution of higher learning in the region.

    The new appointments are expected to bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the university’s administration.

  • Researchers innovate ways to curb spread of invasive ‘Mathenge’ plant

    Researchers innovate ways to curb spread of invasive ‘Mathenge’ plant

    Researchers from the University of Nairobi’s Department of Plant Resource Management and Agriculture Technology have developed innovative ways to curb the spread of the invasive Prosopis Juliflora plant, commonly known as “Mathenge.”

    The initiative, in collaboration with communities in Isiolo and Samburu, involves crushing the plant’s seed pods to produce highly nutritious animal feed and using the stems to manufacture briquettes, an environmentally-friendly energy source for cooking.

    The Mathenge plant has been a menace for local pastoralist communities in the two counties, particularly along the Ewaso Nyiro ecosystem.

    It encroaches on grazing areas, suppresses pasture growth, and negatively impacts communities that rely heavily on livestock for their livelihood.

    Additionally, the dense plant thickets have led to the proliferation of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and sandflies, brought dangerous wild animals closer to homesteads, and sometimes forced communities to relocate from their homes.

    According to Dr. Oscar Koech from the University of Nairobi, despite the adverse effects of Mathenge on local communities, the plant offers numerous other uses for both animal and human products.

    He noted that the plant is rich in minerals and nutrients, making it a potential substitute for soybean in food processing.

    Scientific analysis has shown that Mathenge contains between 18 to 24% crude protein, higher than many other legume plants used in animal feed production.

  • Huawei kicks-off job recruitment program for Kenyan graduates

    Huawei kicks-off job recruitment program for Kenyan graduates

    Huawei Kenya has announced the launch of its management trainee program aimed at recruiting Kenyan university students for jobs and internships.

    About 30 jobs and internship opportunities will be available to Kenyan youth with advanced  training in ICT.

    Speaking at the launch of the program at the University of Nairobi, Paul Mungai, Director State Department for Higher Education and Research, commended the ongoing collaboration between Huawei and various universities and technical colleges.

    He noted that these programs continue to boost digital skills among Kenyan youth and hasten the realization of the country’s goal to become a knowledge economy powerhouse.

    “As a government , we recognize and appreciate the work being done by Huawei in expanding  the ICT space in Kenya. With programs such as Huawei ICT Academy, ICT Competition and Cybersecurity Boot camps and Huawei management trainee program,the ICT local talent and broader ecosystem will be boosted,” Mungai said.

    The Huawei Management Trainee Program (HMTP), an annual Huawei global flagship programme that identifies and develops fresh talent in the STEM field, has trained 200 and absorbed 133 graduates in Kenya since its launch in 2018.

    Fang Zheng, Human Resources Director of Huawei Kenya, said the company aims to tap top talents from Kenyan universities to boost its talent pool in Kenya by adding and  improving the digital skills of Kenyan youth is key to preparing them adequately for future jobs.

    “Huawei is committed to investing in local ICT talent through full time employment, internships and training programs and in supporting efforts by the government in achieving her digital economy goal. We will offer internships for four months consisting of one month of group learning about Huawei products and processes and three months of practical work in various departments to have hands-on experiences,” Zheng said.

    Thanking Huawei for choosing the University of Nairobi to launch the graduate trainee program, Mr. Johnson Kinyua, Dean of Students at the University of Nairobi, stated that career and internship opportunities are key to improving the competence and visibility of ICT graduates.

    Registration for the program themed ‘The Sky Is the Limit’, ends on 31st May 2024.

  • Prof Verkooijen vows to improve UoN’s financial capacity

    Prof Verkooijen vows to improve UoN’s financial capacity

    University of Nairobi’s new Chancellor Professor Patrick Verkooijen says the solution to the institution’s financial problems is in partnerships.

    Prof. Verkooijen who termed financial resources as a key element in propelling institutions of higher learning to internationally acclaimed standards, said he will bring on board his global north networks as well as the institution’s alumni to spur the needed transformation.

    The Chancellor welcomed skepticism about his appointment saying it is a reflection of how people deeply care about the institution.

    Prof. Verkooijen spoke on Thursday during an engagement with students in a town hall meeting.

    He appreciated the support he received from the university’s council, senate, and the students despite skepticism surrounding his appointment.

    The new Chancellor also vowed to employ new approaches to improve the financial capabilities of the institution which has largely depended on government’s support.

    He hailed the technological innovations at the university’s faculties, even as he hinted on commercializing the projects.

    Prof. Verkooijen who succeeded Dr. Vijoo Rattansi is the sixth chancellor at the University of Nairobi and the firstfrom overseas to hold the position.

    Prof. Verkooijen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Utrecht University, a Master of Science degree in Social and Political Philosophy from the University of Amsterdam, a Master of Public Administration from Havard University, and a PhD degree in Sustainable Development Diplomacy from Wageningen University.

    After his studies, he worked for the Dutch Government as a Special Advisor for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (2000 – 2004).

    He then left the Netherlands in 2005 and went to work for the United Nations Peacekeeping mission in Sudan, and later for the World Bank, where he served as the Special Representative on Climate Change from 2012.

    He previously served as a Senior Partnership specialist and head of Agriculture and Climate Change at the World Bank, before his appointment in Washington DC, he acted as a key negotiator for the Department of International Affairs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation in the Netherlands.