Efforts to Devolve Research Management to Schools Heighten as MMUST Partners with Nelson Mandela University to Train Associate Deans and School Administrators
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has partnered with Nelson Mandela University, South Africa, to train Associate Deans as well as Administrators in the Schools and Directorates. This is in an effort to devolve research management to Schools by strengthening research capabilities, promoting knowledge exchange and enhancing institutional development. The training, themed ‘Strengthening Research Management Systems for Institutional Excellence and Impact’, was organized by the Division of Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI). The two-day Workshop took place from 28th to 29th April, 2026 at the Golf Hotel, Kakamega, and was facilitated by experts from Nelson Mandela University led by the Director of Research Support and Management, Dr. Palesa Mothapo.
The Vice Chancellor-Prof. Solomon Shibairo, who officially opened the Workshop, pointed out that the MMUST Management has been very intentional in allocating funds for research. While noting that the University researchers are exceeding expectations by securing significant grant funding, Prof. Shibairo urged them to aim for greater societal impact. “As institutions of higher learning, our influence on the industry is not yet fully realized. We must market our expertise and develop products that tangibly improve livelihoods,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of evolving beyond teaching to ensure that MMUST is recognized globally for its research output.
From left; Prof. Christopher Ngacho, Prof. John Kuria Thuo and Prof. Solomon Shibairo follow one of the presentations.
Reiterating the Vice Chancellor’s sentiments, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance)-Prof. John Kuria Thuo stated that while the University continues to increase its financial commitment to research, researchers are expected to reciprocate by delivering impactful results that demonstrate value for the investment. On his part, the Deputy Vice Chancellor-PRI, Prof. Christopher Ngacho, appreciated the experts for the insightful session, “this Workshop is a valuable learning opportunity that will significantly enhance our capacity. I encourage everyone to make the most of this knowledge and ensure its implementation moving forward.”
According to Prof. Peter Bukhala, the lead contact person for the partnership between MMUST and Nelson Mandela University, the two (2) institutions have had a longstanding partnership. This collaboration recently featured a joint research project funded by the British Academy, which resulted in a MMUST delegation participating in the Madiba Nexus 2026 International Workshop held in South Africa this January.
Prof. Peter Bukhala gives his remarks during the MMUST and Nelson Mandela University Workshop.
“In this training, the team from Nelson Mandela University will be guiding us through various aspects of research management, allowing us to identify best practices to integrate into our own structures. Our strategic goal is to have a Research Manager for each of our eleven Schools, who will spearhead research initiatives at the Departmental level. Ultimately, we aim to elevate African research on the global stage, while at the same time establishing the continent’s presence on the international research map,” added Prof. Bukhala.
The Director of Research Support and Management at Nelson Mandela University, Dr. Palesa Mothapo, makes a presentation during one of the sessions.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Palesa Mothapo, called for continued collaboration between MMUST and her University. “We can only go far if we collaborate as well as share resources and opportunities. At Nelson Mandela University, we are committed to strengthening the research ecosystem by establishing and expanding research and innovation partnerships, networks and linkages nationally and internationally. We are very excited to extend this mission with MMUST,” she noted. Throughout the training, Dr. Mothapo, in conjunction with the Senior Research Manager for External Grants, Ms. Thato Tantsi, took participants through the strengthening of institutional research systems and governance. They emphasized the need to establish clear research structures, policies and compliance systems. Additionally, they addressed key issues, including enhancing research capacity feasibility and funding competitiveness; Integrated research lifecycle support, that is the provision of seamless support across all stages of research, from the proposal development to project completion; Research findings reporting, archiving and knowledge management; Research culture recognition and niche development; Focus on priority areas to enhance relevance and impact; and research integrity and ethical compliance.
The Senior Research Manager for External Grants at Nelson Mandela University, Ms. Thato Tantsi, facilitates a session during the Workshop.
Notably, the expert facilitators were accompanied by Ms. Elizabeth Maqhubu (Research Support Officer) and Ms. Andiswa Landingwe (Project Coordinator).
The Chairperson of the MMUST Associate Deans, Prof. Elizabeth Omukunda, urged participants to translate the Workshop’s insights into actionable steps that will advance the University’s research agenda. She commended the University Management for its continued support and goodwill in research oversight. “We must strengthen research management at MMUST. While our Grants Management Office has made significant strides, additional resources are essential. We must also embrace inclusivity as every individual plays a vital role in a thriving University research ecosystem,” stressed Prof. Omukunda. Similarly, the Director of Research and Postgraduate Support (DRPS)-Prof. Francis Orata, noted that the University has established robust structures to support research, but there remains a need to optimize their utilization. “I am very impressed with the research culture at MMUST. We must continue championing effective research management and ensure that the University increasingly leverages external research funding,” remarked Prof. Orata.
Prof. Shibairo and Prof. Bukhala engage in a conversation with the visiting experts from South Africa.
The Workshop provided participants with practical knowledge and skills to enhance research productivity, proposal development, collaboration and scholarly output. By partnering with Nelson Mandela University to train Associate Deans and School Administrators, MMUST is certainly optimizing its research management framework. This strategic shift allows researchers to dedicate their expertise to core discovery while administrators provide robust operational support.
By Wangari Wambugu and Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
