MMUST’s School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS) has taken a significant step to equip its staff with essential skills for securing research funding by hosting a week-long workshop on grant proposal writing. The event, which kicked off on February 10, 2025, and will go on up to February 14, 2025, aims to empower participants with the requisite knowledge and techniques to craft compelling, fundable proposals. The workshop is steered by the Dean-SASS Dr. Rose Auma. Other members of the organizing team include the Associate Dean-SASS, Dr. David Barasa and Dr. Benard Mudogo. The initiative is part of SASS’s ongoing commitment to foster professional growth, ensuring that staff are well-prepared for the increasingly competitive landscape of academic and social science funding.
Representing the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research, and Innovation), Prof. Kennedy Bota emphasized that writing a grant proposal requires clarity, precision, and a compelling narrative that communicates the potential impact of your research. “We are fortunate to have an expert here to guide us through this process, and I’m confident that each of you will walk away with practical skills that will help you succeed in obtaining the funding that is crucial to advancing your work,” said Prof. Bota.
Prof. Kennedy Bota addressing participants at the workshop.
Additionally, the Director of Research and Postgraduate Support- Prof. Francis Orata reminded the researchers that securing funding not only supports individual projects but also helps to elevate our institution’s research profile on the global stage. “I am excited about the insights and ideas that will emerge from this workshop, and I look forward to seeing many successful, impactful proposals come out of this effort,” urged Prof. Orata.
Speaking during the workshop, Dr. Auma underscored the importance of the training saying that funding for research projects has increasingly become competitive and such workshops play a crucial role in equipping faculty and staff with the essential skills to thrive in the world of academic grants.
The Dean-SASS Dr. Rose Auma making her remarks.
“The more we strengthen our collective ability to secure funding, the more we strengthen our institution’s research capacity. Every successful grant application represents not just an individual achievement, but an opportunity to contribute to the broader academic community and society. I encourage you to immerse yourselves in this training, ask questions, and network with your peers,” stated Dr. Auma.
The Associate Dean-SASS, Dr. David Barasa speaking at the workshop.
Reiterating the Dean, Dr. Barasa noted that, in today’s competitive academic and research landscape, securing funding is often the first hurdle researchers face in bringing their innovative ideas and projects to life. “Without proper funding, even the most groundbreaking research may not see the light of day. That is why this workshop is not just a technical skill-building exercise but an essential investment in your ability to make a meaningful impact in your respective fields,” said Dr. Barasa.
Prof, Joanne Oxley from the University of Toronto making a presentation at the workshop.
The workshop facilitated by grant writing expert Prof, Joanne Oxley from the University of Toronto, has been designed specifically for the Training of Trainers (TOT) staff, a team that has been tasked to enhance the capacity of other researchers within the University. Prof. Oxley has deployed a combination of expert-led sessions, hands-on exercises, and peer discussions aimed to provide practical, actionable insights that the participants can immediately apply in their respective roles. The training focused on key elements including research identity statement, articulating project goals, creating a realistic budget, and demonstrating the long-term impact of a proposal, all while adhering to the specific requirements of funding organizations.
Presenting on Research Identity Statement, Prof. Oxley pointed out that is a critical part of grant application. “A well-crafted statement enhances your chances of securing funding by showcasing your unique contribution and vision for the future. Take time to refine your research identity statement and think about how it connects with your grant proposal,” she encouraged.
As the demand for competitive grant funding continues to grow, this workshop marks an important initiative by SASS to increase successful funding applications while fostering a culture of excellence in research and innovation at MMUST.
By Linet Owuor
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
