The Technical University of Kenya now has a dedicated bank account handling research grants. “When I came here as Vice-Chancellor, there was a big pot where all the monies were going. But now we have a ring-fenced research account,” remarked Prof Benedict Mutua today when he hosted Prof. Nicholas Ozor, the Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), who donated books and research resource materials to the University Library. 

 “Back then, it was very difficult for researchers to access their funds, but now, once the due process is followed, a researcher receives their money within an hour.”

The VC further underscored the responsibility of academicians in actively conducting research and publishing their findings. He cautioned that scholars risk being overtaken by the younger generation who are leveraging Artificial Intelligence.

“Government funding is very limited, and the only way to empower ourselves is through research. There is a lot of money in research; we only need to know how to tap into it. Right now, we are very focused on writing joint research proposals.”

Prof. Ozor handed over the materials to the Vice-Chancellor, during a courtesy call aimed at strengthening collaboration and revitalising the decade-long Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TU-K and ATPS.

Prof. Ozor outlined several collaborative initiatives implemented under the MoU. These include providing internship and employment opportunities to TU-K graduates, developing and submitting joint research proposals, undertaking joint publications, and supporting staff capacity building through international training.

He further emphasised that ATPS is happy with the previous collaborations and would like to reignite the strong relationship previously enjoyed by the two institutions.

“I want to state categorically that ATPS is happy to work closely with this university. Our collaboration has been there, we have donated books to support your library, written joint proposals to seek funding, and sent some of your staff for international training. Even though lately it has been a little slow, I want to push for more collaborative initiatives.”

In this renewed commitment, Prof. Ozor announced that ATPS will be providing scholarships and post-doctoral fellowship opportunities in Artificial Intelligence.

“We are currently offering scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships to Africans in the area of Artificial Intelligence, and TU-K is one of the universities we know is strong in AI. We encourage you to apply, especially for the PhD programme.”

“Those already registered in PhD programmes have the opportunity to apply. Those who have completed their PhDs can also apply for the post-doctoral positions.”

Prof. Mutua welcomed the renewed partnership and emphasised the central role research plays in the university’s transformation agenda.

The Vice-Chancellor was flanked by Dr. Moses Wamalwa, the Academic Registrar, and Mrs. Evalyne Getuba, who represented the Director of Library and Learning Resource Services.

ATPS is a transdisciplinary network of researchers, policymakers, civil society actors, and the private sector actors that promotes the generation, the dissemination, use, and mastery of science, technology, and innovation for Africa's development, for environmental sustainability, and global inclusion.