Mount Kenya University (MKU) has reaffirmed its commitment to research excellence with the launch of the 2024/2025 Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation Grant. The initiative, unveiled at the Mwai Kibaki Convention Centre, also served as a platform to celebrate the winners of the 2024 edition of the prestigious grant.
The university, under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, has strategically intensified its investment in internal research funding to strengthen its footprint in Africa’s academic and innovation landscape. Speaking at the event, Prof. Jaganyi emphasized that research is not just an academic endeavor but a transformative tool for socio-economic development and global recognition.
“Internationally, universities are recognised by the research that they produce. Any university that has risen to be an institution of repute globally has been because of the research that they do,” said Prof. Jaganyi. “That’s what we are doing at MKU ensuring that our research propels us to international recognition.”
The Vice-Chancellor noted that research remains a central pillar in MKU’s mission, aligning with the university’s core focus areas: teaching, innovation, and community engagement. He stressed that a strong research ecosystem is crucial for driving academic excellence and enhancing the university’s societal relevance.
During the event, the university honoured the 2024 recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Research and Innovation Grant, along with winners of external grants, both local and international. Their projects span diverse disciplines and showcase MKU’s growing role in solving regional and global challenges.
The Director of Grants and Development announced that the 2024/2025 grant has expanded in scope to support multidisciplinary projects, postdoctoral research, and early-career researchers’ capacity building. This broader focus reflects MKU’s ambition to nurture innovation and advance impactful research across various academic domains.
By investing in research and fostering collaborations with local and international institutions, MKU is positioning itself as a knowledge hub that not only advances academic inquiry but also contributes meaningfully to national and continental development.
