IIKCSCC in MMUST Among the Eight Hubs in Africa Earmarked by CODESRIA to Champion Indigenous Knowledge Project

MMUST’s Institute of Indigenous Knowledge Cultural Studies and Climate Change (IIKCSCC) is among the eight Indigenous Knowledge (IK) hubs in Africa, earmarked by the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), to implement an innovative approach to training a new generation of young people through the hubs. On 4^th September, 2025, MMUST hosted CODESRIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Godwin Murunga, who visited the institution to discuss MMUST’s role in CODESRIA’s IK project. Dr. Murunga met the IIKCSCC board members together with the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Peter Bukhala, who was also representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.

Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Peter Bukhala explains a point.

The selection of MMUST as an IK hub was a result of mapping of institutions in Africa who are visibly undertaking activities in indigenous knowledge. The eight hubs will form a large network with membership drawn across Africa. This is part of a bigger project, which will see MMUST host ten mentees seconded by CODESRIA for seven months to be mentored and to experience African culture as they undertake their research projects.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Bukhala stated that the selection of MMUST by CODESRIA is an honour and fits well into MMUST’s strategic direction and overall goal. “As a University of Science and Technology, MMUST desires to harness cultural heritage to become not only a highly rated global university but also a destination for cultural tourism and conservatoire of cultural heritage in Africa. The choice by CODESRIA will improve MMUST standing in higher education as well as cultural heritage conservation,” said Prof. Bukhala. He added that MMUST is determined to champion this endeavor.

Dr. Godwin Murunga addresses the IIKCSCC board members.

“Kenya has been a leading country in CODESRIA’s activities. Investing in research and publications are among CODESRIA’s mandate. This project, which involves a three-year program on indigenous knowledge is a fellowship with potential to impact countries and create better livelihoods in Africa. CODESRIA will support 10 mentees for seven months to stay in MMUST and develop their concept notes and research ideas while imbibing and experiencing the African culture. Creating this hub in MMUST will enable the institution to be linked to Mastercard Foundation and other global funding organizations,” stated Dr. Murunga.

Additionally, Dr. Murunga committed to printing the book on the history MMUST, a Project that is being coordinated at IIKCSCC. Courtesy of this project, CODESRIA will also support participation of the MMUST IIKCSCC representative in a workshop that will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 30^th September to 10^th October, 2025. This will be an opportunity for the Institute to interact with other hubs and garner more details and guidelines regarding the logistics of the institution’s hosting of the ten mentees.

The Deputy Director IIKCSCC– Dr. Lucy Mandillah speaks during the meeting with CODESRIA’s CEO.

Reiterating, the Deputy Director IIKCSCC- Dr. Lucy Mandillah pointed out that MMUST has the required expertise, space and partners that will enable the ten mentees to be not only well accommodated but also professionally mentored and guided in indigenous knowledge systems. “The Institute of Indigenous Knowledge, Cultural Studies and Climate Change is a strategic research centre that was established in October 2020 under the MMUST Statutes. It is modeled around the fast-growing niche of Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) as conceived by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals framework. We are elated to have been chosen by CODESRIA to be an IK hub and are willing to partner in research, publishing, archiving and documentation of critical information about the African heritage, curriculum development, organizing conferences, community engagement and policy influence,” remarked Dr. Mandillah.

Ag. DVC PR&I, Registrar Academic Affairs and a section of board members at the VC’s office.

Other members of the board besides Prof. Peter Bukhala and Dr. Lucy Mandillah present at the meeting were Prof. Stanley Omuterema, Dr. Lydia Anyonje, Dr. David Barasa, Rev. Fr. Dr. Kizito Muchanga, and Dr. Ochieng Ahaya. Dr. Murunga gifted a number of books to the Institute.

Undoubtedly, MMUST’s selection by CODESRIA to become one of the only IK eight hubs in the entire continent, will upscale the institution’s visibility, marketability and engagement with community, national and global partners.