Janet Otieno, Author at The PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund

Transforming Kenya’s Future Through Doctoral Training: Insights from Rsif High-Level Policy Dialogue Workshop

Posted on June 24, 2025June 25, 2025 by Janet Otieno

Kenya’s drive towards nurturing innovation and building a robust knowledge-based economy took centre stage at the high-level policy dialogue on doctoral training and skills development, a landmark event organized by International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), the Regional Coordination Unit of the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) and in collaboration with the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTs) at the Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha.

The event brought together about 50 stakeholders drawn from relevant ministries, academia, industry, development partners to foster meaningful discussions on aligning national priorities and emerging trends, best practices and shape strategies that will enhance doctoral training in Kenya and beyond.

This policy dialogue was organized on the backdrop of a multi-country study on doctoral and post-doctoral training and their contributions to national economies in Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia which was conducted by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) on behalf of PASET Rsif and funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York through a grant to icipe. It is drawing from a rich evidence base on the study and anchored on national priorities like Vision 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Kenya’s PhD challenge

Though Kenya’s higher education sector has expanded with the number of licensed universities reaching 80 and university enrollment soaring to over 600,000 students by 2025, only 1.2 per cent these students are enrolled in PhD programmes – a clear indicator of the structural imbalance in the talent pipeline.

Dr Everlyn Nguku, Head of Capacity Building and Institutional Development at icipe — Dr Everlyn Nguku, Head of Capacity Building and Institutional Development at *icipe* giving her opening remarks. Photo/Sakina Mapenzi

“This dialogue is more than a policy discussion—it is a commitment,” Dr Everlyn Nguku, Head of Capacity Building and Institutional Development at icipe, pointed out in her opening address while urging for a commitment to building the intellectual infrastructure that will power Kenya’s next chapter. Dr Nguku stated, “By advancing high-quality doctoral education and fostering African-led research, Rsif plays a key role in promoting inclusive development, scientific excellence, and long-term capacity building across the continent.” She added that, “icipe’s work addresses pressing global challenges by generating cutting-edge, insect-based solutions.”

“icipe is widely recognized as a Centre of Excellence and through its integrated platforms and partnerships, it continues to shape evidence-based policies, drive bioeconomy development, and empower the next generation of African scientific leaders,” she mentioned.

On his part, Dr David Muthaka, Deputy Commission Secretary at the Commission for University Education (CUE), underscored a growing disconnect: “Despite increasing university enrollment, the economy is yet to feel the transformative impact of advanced research. Only 43 per cent of academic staff in our universities hold PhDs, and just 15 per cent of graduates have practical, work-based experience.”

His remarks outlined the broader policy dilemma: Kenya aspires to lead Africa in innovation yet remains constrained by low research and development investment—currently at 0.8 per cent of GDP, below the African Union target of 1.5 per cent and far from innovation powerhouses like South Korea at 4.5 per cent.

Dr Agnes Lutomiah, the Head of Programme, Science Technology and Innovation Knowledge in Society at African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTSNET), also touched on pathways to strengthen PhD training and postgraduate impact. Her presentation pointed out the importance of enabling environments, collaboration, and policies that support impactful research and also curb PhD dropout rate.

“50 per cent students drop out of the PhD many of the retake longer to complete the PhD programmes. Contributing factors included: Funding challenges, mental health issues, family, work commitment, and supervisor frustrations,” Dr Lutomiah said.

Roadmap for Doctoral Reform

The dialogue raised the following key issues:

Research and Development investment gap which is currently at 0.8per cent of the GDP, still behind AU target of 1.5 per cent.
The research objective in universities is neglected.
Poor alignment of policy, research and innovation.
Limited research capacity – only 43 per cent of university staff hold PhDs.
Skills and market need mismatch – with over 40 per cent employers citing inadequate skills as a barrier.
Pipeline challenges when it comes to career progression options.
Structural challenges when it comes to research infrastructure, industry alignment and IP structures.
There are glaring gender disparities – more enrolment of males than females (34 per cent only) in our universities.

A recurring theme was the need to shift doctoral training from academic exercises to engines of applied problem-solving.

Panel Discussion | Kenya High-Level Policy Dialogue on Higher Education & Skills Development. Photo/Sakina Mapenzi

There was also a panel discussion which explored strengthening institutional and national policy synergies to maximize the development impact of doctoral training which was moderated by Prof George Owuor, Director of Research and Extension at Egerton University.

The panelists were the leading voices in academia and policy including; Prof Tom Ogada, Director, ACTS; Ms Charity Musembi, National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation; Prof Benard Muthiani Kivunge, Registrar Academics, Kenyatta University; Prof Eunice Kamara, Moi University and Dr Mwende Mbilo, Rsif Alumna and Lecturer, Pwani University. The panelists discussed actionable ways to align national strategies and institutional frameworks to enhance the quality and relevance of doctoral education and research. They also stated that NACOSTI needs to ensure quality assurance and research ethics adherence in ensuring the quality of doctoral education to compare with global universities.

Rsif through icipe has already made significant contributions, so far it has offered 302 PhD scholarships, 64 research grants (of these 23 are research awards grants to faculty at Rsif African Host Universities (AHUs) faculties and 23 Junior Investigator Research Award (JIRA), 10 institutional Innovation Capacity Strengthening grants awarded to support their innovation environment and 8 Cooperability Innovation grants awards to faculty to support them to commercialize their research awarded to Rsif alumni), and institutional capacity building, offering a blueprint for strengthening science, technology, and innovation across Africa.

Rsif focuses on transformative technologies with far-reaching societal impacts in five priority thematic areas namely, ICT including big data and artificial intelligence, Food security and agri-business, Minerals, mining and materials engineering, Energy including renewables and Climate change. Rsif is funded by 9 African governments – Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and other development partners.

A call for collaborative action

“We must move from policy dialogue to implementation,” urged Dr Nguku in her closing remarks. “The partnerships forged in this room today must become the engines of change tomorrow.” A sentiment echoed by all the participants with a call for strategic partnerships between universities, the private sector, and global institutions, greater inclusion of young researchers and early-career scientists in national development planning, expanded investment in digital infrastructure, innovation hubs, and STEM scholarships.

The policy dialogue workshop collectively recommended a multifaceted approach to strengthen the research and innovation ecosystem, emphasizing the need to align research impact with policy and industry through robust industry-university partnerships and incentives for applied research. Strategic investment in research and development, the creation of funding portals, mentorship, and ensuring fair competition were highlighted as critical to increasing research funding. The establishment of innovation hubs and mandating industry participation were seen as vital for practical knowledge transfer, while faculty development and targeted infrastructure and technology investments were underscored as foundational supports. Promoting gender equity through incentives, flexible schedules, and female mentorship programmes, alongside regular evaluation of supervisory performance, were identified as essential for inclusive and effective research environments.

Dr Salome Wawire from Science for Africa Foundation reiterated the need for improvement on quality assurance to set standards while outlining the way forward.

“Additional recommendations included structured support for doctoral students’ career transitions, moving beyond the “publish or perish” culture by fostering commercialization studies, technology transfer mechanisms, and robust IP policies,” stated Dr Wawire.

The event also called for national research councils and funds to focus on research uptake, the implementation of quality assurance measures for university scholarship—including research integrity offices and standardized requirements for doctoral programmes and internships—comprehensive mental health support within programmes, integration of policies for coherence, and improved data availability to inform national and university policy and management.

What Lies Ahead

The Policy Dialogue concluded with a strong consensus: Kenya must treat knowledge as a strategic asset, not just for education, but as a cornerstone of national competitiveness. The institutions should be intentional about attracting and retaining global talent.

To achieve this; the country must scale up doctoral training to produce the next generation of scientists, educators, and policy leaders, elevate university research output to levels that can drive global relevance and impact plus develop a robust, well-funded postdoctoral ecosystem to ensure that talent is retained and nurtured within the country.

As Dr Muthaka aptly put it, “Transforming higher education is no longer optional — it is a national imperative.”

Shared commitment to the future

In a country where 75 per cent of the population is under 35, the stakes are high—but so is the potential. As the dialogue ends and implementation begins, the message is clear: Kenya’s knowledge economy starts now.

Shaping Kenya’s knowledge economy – Rsif gears for high-level policy dialogue on doctoral training

Posted on June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 by Janet Otieno

Kenya is steadily moving in its journey toward becoming a globally competitive and industralised country as envisioned in the nation’s Vision 2030. At the core of this transformation journey is the strengthening of higher education and skills development systems, crucial for nurturing innovation and building a robust knowledge-based economy. The upcoming high-level policy dialogue, organized by the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) in partnership with the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), will bring together top minds to chart the future of doctoral and post-doctoral training in Kenya. Rsif is Africa’s flagship programme for building doctoral training, research, and innovation capacity in applied sciences, engineering, and technology, managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) on behalf of PASET.

This event, scheduled to take place in Naivasha, Kenya, will convene over 50 key stakeholders from government ministries, academia, industry, and development partners. The dialogue builds on the findings of a recent multi-country study spanning Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, which explored the impact of doctoral training on national economies. Participants will deliberate on strategic policy approaches, share best practices, and generate actionable recommendations to align higher education with Kenya’s economic and development priorities.

Rsif through icipe has already made significant contributions, so far it has offered 302 PhD scholarships, 64 research grants (of these 23 are research awards grants to faculty at Rsif African Host Universities (AHUs) faculties and 23 Junior Investigator Research Award (JIRA), 10 institutional Innovation Capacity Strengthening grants awarded to support their innovation environment and 8 Cooperability Innovation grants awards to faculty to support them to commercialize their research awarded to Rsif alumni), and institutional capacity building, offering a blueprint for strengthening science, technology, and innovation across Africa.

Speaking ahead of the high-level meeting, Dr Everlyne Nguku, The Head of Capacity Building at icipe said that “We recognize that in any knowledge driven economy, a country’s strength lies in the minds its nurtures. For Kenya and Africa at large, investing in doctoral education is beyond a good policy priority, it is a strategic foundation upon which to build its socio-economic transformation and secure its future.”

The policy dialogue aims to foster a new era of partnership, ensuring that doctoral education and research are not only relevant and high-quality but also directly contribute to Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.

By strengthening partnerships between academia, government, and industry, the event promises to advance the national strategic plan of strengthening higher education and skills development and inspire similar efforts across the continent—paving the way for the Africa We Want.

Why inclusive safeguards are important in academic environments: Lessons from a refresher workshop at Bayero University, Nigeria

Posted on May 28, 2025May 28, 2025 by Janet Otieno

Maimuna*, a promising postgraduate student, is hesitating to report an uncomfortable encounter with a faculty member. She tried discussing with her roommate who has advised her that reporting the issue will only make things worse for her because no action will be taken against her tormentor. Across institutions in Nigeria and beyond, many students and staff face similar dilemmas—uncertain if their voices will be heard, or if their safety will be protected. It’s stories like Maimuna’s that underscore why safeguarding in academic environments is so crucial.
Every student, lecturer, and staff member should feel safe in the university. This means all invisible barriers need to be broken so that every voice can be heard without fear. Achieving this vision requires more than just rules on paper; it demands a living culture of protection and respect and this is where safeguarding comes in.

The Director Center of Excellence for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, Professor Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin welcomes participants to the workshop.

Safeguarding in academic environments is about weaving together systems, policies, and everyday practices that shield everyone in the university community from harm—whether it’s sexual harassment, exploitation, or abuse. But the most effective safeguards don’t stop there: they are inclusive by design, ensuring these protections reach everyone, regardless of gender, disability, or background, leaving no one behind.
This approach is not only about compliance with institutional rules but about fostering a campus where every individual feels empowered and respected to pursue their ambitions. It also involves fostering an equitable institution culture where all can feel safe.

This commitment to inclusive safeguarding was at the heart of a recent refresher workshop held by the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) in collaboration with Bayero University Kano (BUK), Nigeria. The hybrid event, hosted at BUK’s Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), brought together 50 participants (28 male and 22 female)—including Rsif scholars, faculty, administrative staff, student leaders, and gender experts—from BUK and neighbouring institutions such as Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Northwest University Kano, Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University, Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, and AZMAN University.

Prof Amina Mustafa — Prof Amina Mustapha shares a point during the workshop.

According to Prof Amina Mustapha, BUK Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Development who participated in the workshop, many forms of sexual harassment in academia—ranging from quid pro quo and hostile environments to digital and peer-to-peer harassment—have lasting impacts on individuals and institutional integrity. It is therefore important that this issue is urgently addressed because it constitutes serious violations of human rights and dignity.

Mr Bonface Nyaga addressing the participants of the workshop.

Mr Bonface Nyagah, Rsif Capacity Building and Safeguarding Officer, opines that it is of importance that all stakeholders continually remind themselves of the existing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) and Gender Based Violence (GBV) policies in the institutions. This can be done by utilizing refresher workshops, plugging SEA/SH and GBV awareness sessions in institutional and programmatic orientation for staff and project staff, including suppliers. Further, necessary information brochures can be provided.
“There is a need to have the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) in all institutions that provide avenues for reporting and referral pathways for the survivors. This ensures that the survivors can access not only justice but much required medical, legal and psychosocial support,” he stated.

Dr Safiya Nuhu speaks during the workshop.

Dr Safiya Ahmad Nuhu, Director of BUK’s Centre for Gender Studies, detailed the university’s multi-layered response to sexual harassment. This includes tiered reporting structures, clear penalties, referral mechanisms, and the Confidential Corner—a safe space for confidential counselling.
“Prevention-first policies, such as gender and dress code guidelines, are foundational in a safeguarding environment”, Dr Safiya said.
Disability inclusion advocate Mr Oyeniye Kudus Olanrewaju believes that the unique vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities should be part of safeguarding policies that are intentionally disability-inclusive and should conform to Nigeria’s Disability Act and international conventions.

The interactive panel discussion, featuring voices from across the university—including Rsif scholar Desta Mulu stated that SEAH (reporting mechanisms must be accessible and user-friendly to all stakeholders. Prof Aisha Ismail who served as the pioneer director of BUK Centre for Gender Studies stressed the importance of building trust in institutional policies to encourage timely reporting and discussed cultural factors influencing perceptions and responses to sexual harassment. On his part, the Director of the Centre for Economics, Social and Population Research (CESPOR) at BUK, Prof Ismail Muhammad Zango pointed out that institutional leaders have a critical role in raising awareness of safeguarding protocols and engaging stakeholders through continuous sensitisation.
Ms Haj Binta Lawan Saji from Servicom non-academic staff also expressed that safeguarding training should be conducted regularly and integrated into orientation programmes for new staff, students, and affiliates while Prof Ali Tijjani of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) opined that institutions must understand and respect how cultural contexts influence perceptions and reporting of SEAH and safeguarding issues.

Some of the participants of the workshop

The workshop highlighted several crucial lessons for enhancing safeguards within university settings. It emphasized the importance of adopting survivor-centered approaches to ensure that the needs and voices of survivors are prioritized. Additionally, it underscored the necessity of developing policies that are both inclusive—addressing the diverse needs of the university community—and actionable, enabling effective implementation. Finally, the workshop advocated for moving beyond mere compliance with regulations toward fostering genuine cultural transformation, creating safer and more supportive academic environments, and the value of moving beyond compliance toward genuine cultural transformation.

This workshop should be a wake-up call to all institutions on the need for annual refresher trainings, development of safeguarding toolkits, institutional disability audits, and the expansion of confidential support spaces—affirming that inclusive safeguards are essential for safe, accountable, and thriving academic environments.
*Name has been changed.

African Experts Call for Stronger Science-Policy Links to Boost Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Posted on May 20, 2025 by Janet Otieno

A high-level side event organized by the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) convened leading researchers, policymakers, industry figures, and development partners at the 5th Biennial International Conference on Drylands at Bayero University, Kano Nigeria to chart a new course for climate-resilient agriculture in Africa. The event, held under the theme “Innovating for Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Bridging Science, Policy, and Practice for Development Impact in Africa,” spotlighted the urgent need for transformative action as the continent faces escalating climate threats.

Bridging gaps for transformative change
Supported by the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), which coordinates the Rsif, the session underscored the critical role of higher education institutions and regional programs in driving agricultural innovation. Dr David Awolola, Director of Technical Services at the African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES), delivered a keynote address, followed by an interactive plenary with diverse stakeholders.

At the 5th Biennial Conference on Dryland Agriculture in BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO , hashtag#Rsif proudly launched the Agri-Food Systems & Climate Action Network-uniting top African Centers of Excellence from Mozambique, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Nigeria to drive innovation for resilient food systems and climate solutions.
A major highlight was the launch of the “Agri-Food Systems and Climate Action Network.” This initiative aims to promote intra-Africa collaboration by connecting six universities that are centres of excellence across Africa’s regions to foster industry linkages, and build international partnerships to enhance PhD training, conduct research on pressing African issues, and scale up innovations for socio-economic development.

Key challenges facing African agriculture
The 50 participants including 20 women at the launch painted a stark picture of Africa’s vulnerability to climate change, citing frequent droughts, floods, and mounting food insecurity that cost some countries up to 3 per cent of GDP annually. Despite these challenges, Africa remains underrepresented in global climate finance and faces significant gaps in domestic resource mobilization.
While digital technologies and innovations-such as drought-resistant seeds and mobile advisory platforms-hold promise, their impact is limited by insufficient access, funding, and support for early-career scientists. The event also highlighted the limited global influence of African researchers, weak policy implementation at national levels, and the need for stronger integration of science into policy and practice.

The Director Center of Excellence for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, Prof Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin — The Director Center of Excellence for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, Professor Jibrin Mohammed Jibrin speaks during the side event.

Recommendations
The session produced a set of recommendations to bridge the divide between climate science, policy, and practice including call for stronger partnerships across governments, academia, the private sector, and communities to break down institutional silos and enhance climate policy implementation.
Delegates urged greater investment in research capacity, support for African-led innovation, and deeper engagement between scientists and policymakers to ensure evidence-based strategies.
They also emphasized the need to expand access to funding and technology, integrate local knowledge, and scale up successful agricultural practices to build resilience across the continent.

Mozambique universities commit to improving their intellectual property management practices

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Janet Otieno

Scientists and experts from six Mozambique universities and research organisations came together in a three-day workshop on 22-24 April in Maputo to develop action plans for intellectual property (IP) management in Mozambican higher education institutions. The workshop brought together 32 participants including 12 women from universities and research institutes across the country, including a team from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), which manages the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif).

An effective IP management is a critical part of an innovation system. IP are the creations of the mind, which are protected through patents, copyrights, and trademarks. Universities and research institutes can license their IP to private companies, which put them to industrial or commercial use. In this way, universities contribute to growth and development, when the out put of their research is put to use in the production of goods and services.

In her opening remarks, Dr Sheila Canda, Director of Mozambique’s Intellectual Property Institute stressed the importance of IP protection for national development. “The key role of the institute in supporting researchers is to protect novel ideas from their research work. Researchers need to embrace a culture of protecting their intellectual assets which will ultimately increase the number of protection rights in the form of patents, trademarks etc from higher education institution.”

Dr Fernando dos Santos, an IP expert who facilitated the workshop said, “There are several strategies that institutions can adopt to promote innovation and technology transfer within higher education and research centres across the country. However, for these strategies to be effective, it is critical to strengthen the linkages between innovation, technology transfer, and intellectual property management. This integration is key to fostering a strong culture of entrepreneurship among students and faculty in Mozambican institutions.”

Ms Cynthia Orangó, the Research and Innovation grants officer of Rsif underscored the role of universities in driving economic transformation through innovation. She said, “There is a need to co-create actionable, context-specific plans that will strengthen research translation, IP protection, and entrepreneurship in higher education institutions across Mozambique.”

Key sessions featured insights from Prof Manuel Rebelo who talked about Mozambique’s innovation policy landscape. Other presentations were on IP registration processes, and experiences from universities and research centres, including Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), among others. Panel discussions highlighted lessons in developing effective IP policies to foster university-industry linkages.

By the end of the workshop, all participating institutions had drafted tailored action plans to improve their innovation ecosystems, marking a critical step toward advancing research commercialization by Mozambique’s universities and research organisations.

Egas Armando, Rsif Scholar and faculty member at Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, shares insights on how Business Incubation Centres and Technology Transfer Offices are helping universities turn ideas into real-world impact at the workshop.

The workshop was organised with the theme, “strengthening university innovation ecosystem and support for intellectual property management practices”, and specifically targeted Mozambique universities and research organisations that are benefiting from Rsif/ MozSkills project’s Institutional Innovation Capacity Building Program (ICBP).

Rsif s a flagship initiative of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET). It is implemented by icipe as the Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) since August 2018. Rsif’s development objective is to strengthen the institutional capacity for quality doctoral training, research, and innovation in transformative technologies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Mozambique is a member of the PASET. It contributes to the Rsif through its Improvement for Skills Development (MozSkills) project. Through this contribution, Mozambique is supporting 40 PhD scholars (32 Mozambican) and 14 research and innovation projects across eight Mozambican higher education institutions and one research centre are being supported.

University of Port Harcourt Leads Innovation Drive with UP-ECOSIN Project

Posted on April 10, 2025April 10, 2025 by Janet Otieno

The University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) is making great strides in transforming its research and innovation into marketable solutions through its Strengthening Institutional Infrastructure for an Innovation Ecosystem” (UP-ECOSIN) project. The project empowers researchers, fosters industry partnerships, and transforms research into marketable solutions. The project is funded by Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) Regional Scholarship Innovation Fund (Rsif) to address a critical gap in Nigerian universities: the lack of structures to translate research findings into marketable solutions.

The project is led by Onyewuchi Akaranta, a Professor of Industrial Chemistry, and Ibisime Etela, a Professor of Animal Science and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture. Their goal is to transform the university into a hub for entrepreneurial research and commercialization.

The UP-ECOSIN project trains faculty and graduate students in competitive grant writing, as well as transform research output into commercialized products through start-ups and spin-offs. The key beneficiaries are post graduates at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Oilfield Chemicals Research (ACE-CEFOR) who are carrying out applied research for the sustainable development of the oil and gas industry in Sub-Saharan Africa. They also promote university-industry cooperation and develop a sustainable innovation ecosystem framework, especially for the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.

Turning research into products and services

Speaking about what inspired the need for the UP-ECOSIN project at the university Prof Akaranta says, “There was a felt need to embark on the project because as researchers we realized that the university system does not have a clear structure or policy aimed at moving positive research results from the field and laboratories to the market or places where they can be commercialized. This gap has in the past made both the individual researchers and the university waste opportunities to benefit from projects with tangible results and potential for commercialization.”

Mobile Biogas Digester with improvised gas volume measuring device — Mobile Biogas Digester with improvised
gas volume measuring device

He adds that this was part of an effort towards actualizing the overall vision of the UniPort, to become an entrepreneurial institution.

It was the first university in Nigeria to declare so in 2010 so they had to ensure that it is a research-intensive institution, which shall transform its products and services for addressing social problems.

Prof Etela emphasized that through the UP-ECOSIN project they train faculty and graduate students on competitive grants writing and has helped in positioning UniPort as a research and innovation hub in Africa and beyond.

“In deciding to carry out the project on strengthening institutional capacity building, we also realized that increasing awareness of researchers to commercialize results also means they have to conduct high quality transformative research.”

He went on to say that conducting such high-quality research requires funds, which are ordinarily not readily available through conventional funding from the government . Hence, the need to build the capacity of researchers to be able to actively solicit for grants to support their innovative research works.

Patents

According to Prof Akaranta, UP-ECOSIN project has, indeed, facilitated the transformation of research projects from laboratories into patents and ready for commercialization.

“Through the project, the importance of multidisciplinary approach to implementation became obvious with each team member bringing on board their perspectives to enrich the outcomes. For example, through the funding of the project we were able to engage the services of a lawyer who specializes in filing patents and this approach enabled us to speedily secure the national patents within three months. It usually takes longer to achieve the same,” Prof Akaranta stated.

15L Essential Oil Ext15L Essential Oil Extractorctor — 15L Essential Oil Extractor

On the project were industrial chemists, engineers, agriculturists and other experts working together to move it from the theory to producing tangible products.

This gave rise to the five pilot plants: 0.5 cubic litres mobile biogas digester,15L essential oil extractor, 700 kg fish dryer with oil collector, organic manure pelletizer, and 54 cubic feet gas-fired kiln for ceramics.

“They were designed to be fired using biogas thus protecting the environment from greenhouse gas emissions and controlling deforestation since the plants do not depend on direct firewood as fuel. For example, the fifth pilot plant which is gas-fired kiln for ceramics will support sustainable education in ceramic studies at the Department of Fine Arts and Design in the Faculty of Humanities,” Prof Etela remarked.

Prof Etela indicated that in addition to the five pilot plants designed to be biogas-fired, there are five other green chemicals derived from agro-waste that are available for venture capitalists and other interested investors to promote commercialization.

Industry collaboration

Since the project emphasizes university-industry collaboration, four partnerships have been established so far. This has facilitated easy access to real-life societal/industry problems and resources, enabling staff and students at the university to conduct more relevant and impactful research.

Organic Manure Pelletiser with Rotating disc, electric motor and control panel

“The partnerships have created valuable networking opportunities for faculty members and students, fostering hands-on internship programmes and career planning and development for our students. Curricula reviews of academic programmes of students who benefited from the partnerships with the industry, through internships, have seen the integration of classroom learning with hands-on experience,” Prof Akaranta said.

Overcoming challenges

Despite challenges such as fluctuating exchange rates and vendor compliance issues, the team employed meticulous financial reporting and proactive follow-ups to ensure smooth implementation.

Transforming mindsets

“Before UP-ECOSIN, less than 1 per cent of UniPort staff and students understood the importance of commercializing research results. Training workshops have sparked curiosity among participants, paving the way for future innovation. The workshops have created awareness about commercialization of research outputs. Now more than50 of staff and students understand the importance of commercializing research products,” said Prof Etela.

Lessons for African universities

Both the professors pointed out that teamwork emerged as a cornerstone of success in implementing UP-ECOSIN. This offers a model for other African institutions seeking to strengthen their innovation ecosystems.

“UniPort technical staff were indispensable in translating theoretical concepts into tangible products,” Prof Akaranta stated.

The UP-ECOSIN’s impact extends beyond its initial funding period through grantsmanship workshops that have led to major wins like the Mastercard Foundation Grant for African universities and Erasmus Mundus funding for graduate programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. Because of UP-ECOSIN, several research teams at UniPort have also secured grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 over the last three years.

With its focus on capacity building, commercialization, and industry collaboration, UniPort’s UP-ECOSIN project exemplifies how universities can drive sustainable development while fostering innovation across Africa.

Advancing STEM in Africa: PASET Rsif welcomes the 6th cohort of PhD scholars

Posted on March 21, 2025March 21, 2025 by Janet Otieno

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), serving as the Regional Coordination Unit for the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif), has welcomed a new cohort of PhD scholars – the 6th Cohort since 2018. The scholars had a week long orientation at icipe Duduville campus from 17-21 March 2025. The orientation discussed the expected PhD journey of the scholars, and prepared them for the new academic environments they are entering into. Studies show that proper orientation of scholars at the beginning of their PhD journey increases retention, and reduces completion timelines. It is one of best practices in building science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) capacity.

Background on Rsif

The PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) is a flagship programme of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET), an Africa-led initiative aimed at bridging gaps in skills and knowledge necessary for sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2015, Rsif focuses on transformative technologies with far-reaching societal impacts, including ICTs, food security, minerals and mining, energy, and climate change.

Rsif is supported by African governments – Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and other development partners. It provides high-quality doctoral training and research opportunities at competitively selected African universities, fostering partnerships with international institutions to enhance research and innovation capacities.

Past Cohorts and Achievements

With cohort 6 now onboard, Rsif has supported 302 PhD students across since 2018, when icipe took on the responsibility of being a Regional Coordination Unit. Out of these, 45 have so far graduated, and returned to their home countries. Rsif scholarships are competitive, and emphasizes international collaboration, and alignment with Africa’s development priorities.

Cohort 6 Orientation

The Cohort 6 scholars, supported by a $2 million USD grant from the Kenyan government, commenced their orientation at icipe. This cohort includes 21 scholars, 16 of whom are Kenyans and 4 are from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Tanzania. Using the PASET 80/20 rule, 80 per cent of the funds support nationalities of the countributing country and 20 per cent support other nationalities from Africa. In this case Kenya was the contributing country supporting Cohort 6. The event highlighted the importance of completing the programme and aligning research with African challenges.

Dr Julius Ecuru, Rsif RCU Manager at icipe expressed icipe’s appreciation for Government of Kenya’s renewed contribution that enabled support for this specific cohort 6 of scholars. He congratulated the scholars on being selection from thousands of applicants. ‘Rsif is prestigious PhD scholarship programme in both its form and content in Africa, and is highly competitive”, Dr Ecuru stated.

More than 810 applications were received, out of which only 21 were selected. Of the 21 selected,8 are women, highlighting the importance of gender considerations in STEM.

Ms Ruth Charo, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank Task Team Leader for the Rsif project encouraged the scholars to address African problems through their research.

“Since this is taxpayers’ money, the contributing countries have made a big sacrifice to ensure the African continent leapfrogs in STEM for its prosperity,” Ms Charo said.

“As the World Bank, we are very grateful to the African Host Universities (AHUs), International Partner Institutions (IPIs), African Governments, and the Government of Korea that came together to ensure that this programme is successful,” she added.

Mr James Muchiri, who represents the Ministry of Education at PASET Executive Board stressed the importance of scholars to add value to their countries through impactful research and partnerships.

“As a government, we would be interested to see the value you as scholars will be adding to our countries. We want you to make a difference make in the lives people and communities you come from,” Mr Muchiri who was in attendance said.

L-R: Cynthia Orang’o, Mr James Muchiri, Dr Everlyn Nguku

Prof Aminata Sall Diallo, the Chair of the PASET Executive Board also extended her gratitude to Government of Kenya for the additional financing. She encouraged the scholars to be pragmatic and pursue their studies with passion. “You are the next generation of thought leaders, problem-solvers, and changemakers. The knowledge and expertise you will gain through this program will not only advance your careers but also contribute to the socio-economic transformation of Africa. I encourage you to embrace this opportunity fully—engage with your peers, seek mentorship, and push the boundaries of research and innovation. Your work has the potential to make a real impact, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time” Prof Diallo said.

Prof. Aminata Sall Diallo, Rsif PASET Chair of the Executive Board

“As you embark on this academic journey, I urge you to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and excellence. Doctoral research is not easy—it demands resilience, hard work, and an unrelenting pursuit of knowledge”, Prof Diallo continued. Prof Diallo concluded by encouraging the scholars to “strive for excellence and seek to inspire and mentor others who will follow in their footsteps.”

Rsif has grown to become one of the largest academic and research networks in Africa, with more than 450 active scientists, including the scholars. In collaboration with 15 African Host Universities and 32 International Partner Institutions, the scholars and their academic advisors have published more than 370 papers in high impact journals with 1,807 citations as of February 2025.

Cohort 6 scholars during the Orientation

As the cohort 6 scholars embark on their academic journeys, they join a network of highly talented colleagues – brightest minds in the continent. But the real challenge is the stamina they should possess to complete their studies in time, and join the workforce in the continent to make a difference in the communities they serve.

Rsif Scholars Esther Aba Eshun and Rogia Saïdath Adéline Gomez Lead the Charge on International Women’s Day

Posted on March 7, 2025March 12, 2025 by Janet Otieno

As the world marks International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerate Action,” we hail two remarkable Rsif scholars: Esther Aba Eshun, a Ghanaian who recently graduated from the University of Ghana with research on Livelihood Diversification and Food Security of Youth Headed Households in Coastal Fishing Communities in Ghana, and Rogia Gomez, a Beninese scholar whose research at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania focused on biosecurity measures within poultry farms, both embodying the spirit of accelerating progress towards gender equality and empowerment through their academic achievements. Rsif is the flagship programme of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET), managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) as the Regional Coordination Unit.

We recently interviewed the two scholars;

Interview with Esther:
Q: Explain more about your research on livelihood diversification in coastal fishing communities and how it can contribute to empowering women and enhancing gender equality in these areas, especially given the significant role women play in fisheries?

A: In recent years, the narrative of households in coastal communities who are dependent on fisheries as a means of livelihood have changed with the sea (natural resource) facing a number of challenges. This has made it very prudent for a need for interventions to support their livelihoods. More women are found along the fisheries supply chain with majority of their involvement in the processing into several forms and marketing of the fish. This research does contribute to the body of literature and the empowerment of women through the involvement of women in the data capture, analysis and reporting. In so doing their current livelihoods were assessed highlighting the need for the much-needed interventions to be able to diversify their incomes and improve their livelihood. Ability to target the different groups in fisheries supply chain and provide the needed resources to equip them, ensuring equality.

Q: Your study highlights the importance of skills development programmes for youth-headed households. How do you envision these programs being tailored to meet the specific needs of young women in these communities, who often face unique challenges?

A: A significant number of youth / youth -headed households involved in fisheries are limited in terms of skills to be able diversify and earn additional income. To be able to meet the specific demands of young women and as such ensure social inclusion, a needs assessment is a must for any Initiative. This will bring out the challenges, the opportunities available for diversification and the appropriate skills to equip the youth with.

Q: In your research, you emphasize the need for a gendered approach to livelihood diversification. Can you elaborate on how this approach can help address the broader issues of food security and economic stability in coastal communities, particularly for women and youth?

Different groups (men, women, PwDs) play specific roles in Ghana’s Food Systems, not just the fisheries supply chain. Livelihood Diversification is imperative to reduce poverty as earning additional income reduces household shocks and stress. A gendered approach provides the avenue for tailored solutions, determining specific group needs and appropriate interventions. These will make all groups better off and not just one group and economic stability all year round. The implication of no social inclusion approach: deepening the challenges and widening existing inequality gap in the food systems.

Q: As a recipient of the Rsif scholarship, how do you believe this support has enabled you to contribute meaningfully to research on livelihood diversification and food security in coastal fishing communities, and what potential impact do you see your work having on broader policy and development initiatives in Ghana and beyond?

A: I am humbled and privileged to have been a cohort 2 scholar of Rsif. Without PASET/Rsif, my studies would have been very challenging. Also, the gender sensitive nature of PASET /Rsif scholarship further spurred me on to conduct my research with a gendered lens. The specific focus on youth and gendered approach of the research contribute to existing literature on livelihood diversification, food security and the broader food systems. It highlights additional livelihood interventions and the necessary skills needed to equip youth. As part of the broader dialogue to transform the Ghana Food Systems, my recommendations and research feed into the overall goal of the Food systems and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Interview with Rogia

Q: Congratulations on your academic milestone. Could you tell us more about your research focus?

A: My name is Rogia Saïdath Adéline Gomez, originally from Benin. My research focused on biosecurity in poultry farms in Tanzania, more specifically in the Kibaha and Mlandizi regions. Sokoine University of Agriculture in the Morogoro region of Tanzania was the university where this research was conducted in the Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences (DAARS-College of Agriculture) and under the supervision of my thesis supervisor Professor Hemed Said Mbaga. My study aimed to identify the different biosecurity routines/measures implemented on Tanzanian poultry farms, the reasons why each farmer chooses certain measures over others and the impact of these measures on the productivity of their farming activities and the final quality of the products from these poultry farms. Based on the results found in the field, less costly approaches to solving problems were proposed.

Q: As a scientist from Benin, your work on biosecurity in poultry farming is particularly relevant in a region where women play a significant role in agriculture. How do you think biosecurity practices can be tailored to better support women farmers in Benin, and what role do you see women playing in improving biosecurity standards in the poultry sector?

A: In Benin, women play a crucial role in the household, managing the entire household (carrying out various domestic tasks, looking after and educating children, etc.). She is therefore used to applying certain rules of hygiene and sanitation to ensure the cleanliness of her household and the health of her family. In addition, she generally works in the agricultural sector (subsistence farming, raising backyard poultry and small animals, etc.) and the textile sector (trading in sundries and food products, etc.). As a result, once she has been educated about biosecurity practices and knows the benefits of applying them, it will be easy for her to integrate these biosecurity practices into her daily routines, whether in her household, her breeding activities or any other production.

Q: Benin faces challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and limited local hatcheries, which impact the poultry sector. How do you believe your research on biosecurity can help address these challenges, and what specific strategies would you recommend for improving the health and productivity of poultry farms in Benin?

A: In Benin, the government in 2024 had planned to implement a ban on imports of frozen animal products, to boost local livestock production, in this case, poultry, to satisfy the demand for animal proteins in Benin, which is more focused on breeding local (endogenous) animals. However, this decision, although a good opportunity for local animal breeders, could lead to other situations, such as overproduction at the local level, a failure to comply with food safety standards in the various animal production processes, and therefore a reduction in the quality of finished animal products, all of which could encourage the easy spread of animal diseases. To counter such situations in the future, and given that women are more involved in most animal production at the local level, it would be good for the Beninese Government to instruct women in the various biosecurity practices (from the least complex and costly to the most complex and costly). Such an initiative on the part of the Beninese Government would make production easier (considerable reduction in the prevalence of animal diseases in livestock farms) and more profitable (less expenditure on animal health) for local women farmers, allow finished products of acceptable quality to be placed on local markets and ensure public health in terms of zoonoses and the fight against antimicrobial resistance through reduced use of antimicrobials.

Q: As an Rsif scholar, how do you think the programme has empowered you as a woman in science, particularly in terms of advancing research and policy on biosecurity in poultry farming?

A: This opportunity enabled me to deepen my knowledge of biosecurity in the poultry sector. It also enabled me to see the limits to the implementation of biosecurity in Africa, unlike on other continents, and to identify, still in the African context, the approaches to ideal solutions to the challenges facing livestock farming in Africa.Throughout this programme, I have been able to acquire some very enriching academic and professional knowledge that will be useful to me as I face up to the highly competitive job market.

It has been a time of self-learning for me because my skills (analytical and synthetic mind, interpersonal skills, autonomy, and ability to make proposals) have been improved, although I’m still learning how to improve. I would like to take this opportunity to thank once again the PASET through the Rsif coordinated by icipe.

World Bank, PASET and icipe Wrap Up ISM Mission in Rwanda

Posted on February 26, 2025March 11, 2025 by Janet Otieno

The World Bank, the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), and the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) Executive Board wrapped up their Implementation Support Mission (ISM) in Kigali, Rwanda. This mission, which began at icipe’s Duduville Campus in Nairobi, Kenya, on 12 February focused on AI and climate change and involved Rsif African Host Universities with PhD programs in these areas: HU, and BU (Climate Change), UGB and UR (AI). It also involved visits to Bayero University in Kano, Nigeria, and University of Rwanda in Kigali. Rsif is a flagship programme of PASET managed by icipe since 2018. A key point of focus for the mission at Bayero University was “Innovative academic research for tackling climate change: solutions for a sustainable future” while at the University of Rwanda, the main theme was on “AI as an enabler for growth and socioeconomic transformation in Africa.”

The Rsif initiative spans several critical sectors, including ICT including big data and AI Food security and agri-business, Minerals, mining and materials engineering, Energy including renewables and Climate change.

With a focus on applied sciences and technology, the programme seeks to address Africa’s pressing socio-economic challenges by developing the skills necessary for transformative development. The mission’s discussions highlighted the transformative role that AI and Big Data can play in Africa’s development, particularly in research and education.

Dr Abdou Tenkouano, Director General of icipe, emphasized the critical role of Rsif in advancing human capacity across the continent. “Together with support from the World Bank and PASET, icipe has provided 302 PhD scholarships to African students from 24 nationalities, with a 37% representation of women. We have also funded various research and innovation projects across key thematic areas such as food security, energy, and AI,” Dr Tenkouano stated.

Dr Abdou Tenkouano, icipe Director General during the opening session of the ISM

He further added that with the Rsif programme, icipe’s role as a pan-African centre of excellence that provides quality PhD training, research, and innovation grants is strengthened. Through this effort, Rsif is contributing significantly to Africa’s goal of using science and technology for the socioeconomic transformation of the continent.

Ms Ruth Charo, World Bank Task Team Leader, noted that the mission was an opportunity to discuss the contribution of AI and climate change research to national and regional development.

Ms Ruth Charo, World Bank Task Team LeaderDuring the meeting at Bayero University, Nigeria, Prof Jibrin Mohammed, CDA Director, emphasized how innovative research is addressing climate change. He called for continued research and policy solutions to tackle the continent’s environmental challenges. Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Prof Sagir Abbas, reiterated the institution’s commitment to high-quality research and innovation.

Prof Sagir Abbas, Vice Chancellor, Bayero University

Prof Jibrin Mohammed, Director, Centre of Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University

At the University of Rwanda, Ms Françoise Kayitare Tengera, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance, highlighted the importance of AI and Big Data in the university’s research and development initiatives. “The Rsif programme has contributed significantly to our postgraduate objectives, particularly through the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT), which hosts several Rsif-funded PhD scholars,” she said.

Ms Françoise Kayitare Tengera, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance, University of Rwanda

Dr Julius Ecuru, Rsif’s Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) Manager, emphasized the importance of building a critical mass of highly skilled scientists to drive socio-economic transformation in Africa.

Dr Julius Ecuru, Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) Manager

He also mentioned three critical pillars for innovation: universities, government, and industry which should be interconnected. Dr Ecuru added that icipe is now developing its next vision and strategy for 2025-2030 with a strong emphasis on capacity building.

World Bank representative Gang I Kim highlighted both opportunities and challenges presented by AI integration within the programme.

The PASET Executive Board Member Engineer Mike Hughes noted that Rsif was established in 2013 with founding countries including Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Senegal. Since then, it has expanded to include 11 member nations.

AI’s integration into Rwanda’s education system was a key highlight, as the country ranks among the top three in Africa for AI utilization. Prof Ignace Gatare, Principal of the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology (CST), shared insights into how technology education has contributed to the country’s impressive rise in global technology rankings.

Prof Ignace Gatare, Principal, the College of Science and Technology, University of RwandaWhile closing the mission, Dr Tenkouano reiterated that “we cannot stop thanking PASET, the World Bank, African governments and all our partners for the continued support. We are especially grateful to the governments of Rwanda and Kenya for renewing their contribution to the Rsif in 2023 and 2024, respectively. It is our wish that other African countries will also renew their contributions, and that new countries will join PASET in the coming years.”

Dr Tenkouano closed the mission by thanking African governments for their continued support of Rsif. He also called for more African countries to contribute to the initiative to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the programme, which aims to strengthen Africa’s capacity to tackle the challenges of the future.

In conclusion, the ISM mission not only celebrated the achievements of the Rsif but also reinforced the importance of AI and climate change research in Africa’s development. By focusing on capacity building and fostering collaborations across universities, governments, and industries, the mission reinforced the shared commitment to driving Africa’s socio-economic transformation through science and innovation.

Additional reporting; Sakina Mapenzi

University of Bristol Welcomes Rsif Scholar Advancing Landslide Research

Posted on February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 by Janet Otieno

This article has been adapted from the University of Bristol website

We are delighted to welcome Ma-Lyse Nema, the first scholar on our PhD student mobility scheme (with PASET-Rsif and Cabot Institute). Rsif is the flagship programme of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET), managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) as the Regional Coordination Unit.

She joins us from the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Côte d’Ivoire, and will spend six months with the Bristol research community, continuing her PhD research on landslide hazards and risks in the Kivu catchment of Rwanda.

We caught up with Ma-Lyse to find out more about her research.

Please tell us about your background and what led you to pursue research in landslide hazards and risks in Rwanda

I was raised in a landslide-prone area of western Rwanda, and I’ve always wanted to help discover a solution since my childhood. I’m glad that my dreams are coming true.

Can you share any preliminary findings or insights from your research so far?

My preliminary findings show that rainfall, slope cutting, and deforestation are the factors mostly associated with landslides in the Kivu catchment of Rwanda (CKIV).

What challenges have you faced in your research and how have you overcome them?

It was challenging to reach remote areas during the data collection, and I decided to use motorbikes! Additionally, I had very limited skills in landslide modeling, so I applied for this placement at the University of Bristol to learn more about the causes of landslides and appropriate methods of analysis to apply in CKIV.

What will you be working on during your placement here, and what are your goals?

I will be working on a literature review and data analysis. My goal is to use my landslide inventory and the knowledge and data I have collected to develop a susceptibility map that can be used for better landslide decisions in CKIV and is suitable for future publication.

How do you hope this placement will benefit your research and career?

I will gain new knowledge and skills in understanding landslides and different modeling methods. I will gain experience through connecting with international researchers in my career.

Do you think there will also be benefits for the institutions involved?

Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny will benefit from raising a competent PhD graduate. The PASET will gain another highly skilled woman in applied sciences. The University of Bristol will benefit from my experiences related to climate challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.

This interview was first published on; https://parc.bristol.ac.uk/2025/02/07/looking-into-landslides/