MMUST Partners With University Of Pretoria To Host A Two-Day Workshop Aimed At Enhancing Research Management And Capacity Development
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has partnered with the University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa, to host a two-day Workshop focused on enhancing research management and capacity development. The Workshop, which took place from 1st to 2nd April, 2026 at the Golf Hotel-Kakamega, was facilitated by UP’s Director of Internationalization and Strategic Partnerships, Dr. Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl, and Mr. Sedwyn Anthony. It was coordinated by Prof. Peter Bukhala, the lead contact person for the partnership between MMUST and UP.
While officially closing the Workshop, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, reaffirmed MMUST’s commitment to enhancing research capacity among its scholars. “I appreciate Prof. Bukhala for organizing this event, as well as the facilitators for joining us on such short notice. Having met both Dr. Rakeshnie and Mr. Sedwyn in South Africa, I am confident that they were the ideal choice to lead these sessions. MMUST and the University of Pretoria share a longstanding partnership, and I look forward to our continued collaboration for years to come,” said Prof. Shibairo.
From left; Prof. Christopher Ngacho, Mr. Sedwyn Anthony, Dr. Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl, Prof. Solomon Shibairo and Prof. Peter Bukhala.
During the Workshop’s official opening, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher Ngacho, emphasized that Universities are increasingly measured by the impact of their research, innovation and global partnerships. “MMUST continues to expand its international research footprint. While our Division is committed to creating an enabling environment for research excellence, ultimate success depends on our researchers’ active engagement and their willingness to apply insights gained from forums such as this,” commented Prof. Ngacho.
“We appreciate Dr. Rakeshnie and Mr. Sedwyn for taking the time to share their expertise with us. We are confident that this Workshop will significantly enhance our researchers’ capabilities and lead to more high-impact publications and successful grant applications,” stated Prof. Bukhala during an interview with DCCM. Further, Prof. Bukhala shared that he and Mr. Kaleb Mwendwa, the Coordinator of the MMUST Grants Office, secured a travel grant for a two-month residency at UP. “That visit provided us with invaluable insights into research management. We have since implemented a number of strategies observed there, including the establishment of the Grants Office to better streamline research operations at MMUST,” he noted. Mr. Mwendwa echoed Prof. Bukhala’s sentiments, pointing out that the Workshop was essential for equipping researchers with critical skills, particularly in time management and deadline adherence. “Compared to UP, our systems and grant management processes still lag behind, but I am grateful that through this partnership, we will be able to bridge these gaps and adopt the best practices,” he added.
Prof. Peter Bukhala speaks at the Workshop.
In the same interview, Dr. Rakeshnie revealed that the relationship between MMUST and UP spans five (5) years. “Through such initiatives, we aim to strengthen our collaboration by focusing on capacity building and transitioning into joint grant applications. Ultimately, given the current global geopolitics, it is vital for African institutions to work together. This Workshop demonstrates how we can partner across the continent, not just to leverage funding, but to build the collective capability needed to navigate our shared challenges,” remarked Dr. Rakeshnie.
Dr. Rakeshnie’s presentation, ‘Finding and Applying for Funding’, highlighted that researchers must navigate both the complexities of research management and the University’s broader strategic context in order to maximize the impact, sustainability and ethical integrity of their work. “To increase chances of funding, researchers must align their work with national and global calls to action. The motivation and process of your research should be informed by institutional strategies; national Science, Technology and Innovation strategies; Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034; Africa Union’s Agenda 2063; as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” she pointed out, adding that researchers should build strategic partnerships through networks and alliances.
Dr. Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl makes a presentation during the MMUST-UP Workshop at the Golf Hotel, Kakamega.
“The visibility of your research, the reputation of your institution and the integrity of institutional processes all go hand in hand,” noted Mr. Sedwyn during the interview. His presentation focused on Science, Diplomacy and Internationalization, where he illustrated how the three drive institutional growth. He specifically highlighted the need to align individual research outputs with the University’s broader strategic goals, saying that this will maximize global impact.
The transformative two-day Workshop by MMUST and the University of Pretoria is a collaborative initiative that will undoubtedly streamline research processes and enhance grant-seeking capabilities. By providing essential tools and strategic insights, the partnership establishes a robust framework for academic innovation and empowers researchers to significantly elevate institutional output.
By Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
