Machakos University’s Researcher Shines At The Kenya National Research Festival 2024

Machakos University has once again demonstrated its research prowess by securing a National Outstanding Researcher Award (NORA) during the Inaugural Kenya National Research Festival 2024 which was held on 19^th – 23^rd August 2024 at the Edge Convention Centre, Nairobi. The festival was jointly organized by National Research Fund (NRF), and Young Scientists Kenya (YSK), a non-profit organization that inspires and empowers the next generation of young scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs to transform their communities through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The festival marked the beginning of celebrating milestones achieved by Kenyan researchers. It will be held on an annual basis to recognize their impactful contributions in multidisciplinary research. The awarding ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including Mr. Fredrick Ndambuki, who represented Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, the PS, State Department of Higher Education and Research, Prof. Ratemo Michieka, Chairperson NRF, Prof. Dickson Andala, the Chief Executive Officer, NRF.

The event commenced with a keynote session on Innovative sustainable research funding in the global south which discussed the development and implementation of new and creative ways to secure ongoing financial support for research activities in regions typically considered part of the global South, such as Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia. The session, whose panelist consisted of Prof. Mike Kuria, CEO, Commission for University Education (CUE), Prof. Catherine Ngila, CEO, African Foundation for Women & Youth in Education and STI (AFoWYEST) and Dr. Vincent Okungu, a Senior Researcher from the University of Nairobi, highlighted that the funding will address unique challenges and opportunities in these regions, thereby promoting research that can lead to social, economic, and technological advancements while ensuring that the resources needed for such research are maintained over time.

Dr. Veronica Okello, a researcher from Machakos University received a Special Recognition Award under Women Researchers in the category of Physical Sciences, Technology and Innovation. The Award is given to Kenyan female researchers with 5 years and above research experience. Prof. Stanley Makindi, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Innovation and Linkages, received this outstanding award in her absentia.

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