Not long ago, Mr. Akoon Arkanjelo Ariik Dhor doubted he could do research. Today, he is agraduate, and the first of four beneficiaries to complete postgraduate studies under theNORHED II scholarship. A lecturer at the University of Juba in South Sudan, Mr. Ariikgraduated from the University of Nairobi on Friday, 18 th September 2026, with a fully fundedMaster's degree in Climate Change and Adaptation, his second Master's degree.His scholarship is part of a wider initiative titled Capacity Building for Sustainable EnergyTransitions in East Africa, a partnership between TU-K, the University of Juba, theNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Makerere University, andMakerere University Business School (MUBS). The project aims to strengthen the energytransitions research and teaching capacity of universities in the region. Planning began in2020, and the programme officially took off in April 2021. TU-K was allocated fourscholarships two at PhD level and two at Master's level.Given the fact that the initiative is about building the capacity of university faculty, only staffof partner institutions could apply. The call was announced on the university website andthrough posters. Applications were submitted and interviews were held before a dedicatedscholarship committee made the final selection. Although the funds are managed from TU-K,tuition and stipends are paid directly to the institution where each scholar studies. In Mr.Ariik's case, his school fees and stipend were sent from TU-K to the University of Nairobi.Mr. Ariik began his studies in September 2023, and he describes the experience astransformative. "My experience was very good," he says, praising the kindness of the peoplehe met and the depth of knowledge and experience of his professors. He admits he oncelacked confidence in his ability to do research, but the guidance he received changed that."This is one of the things that I have acquired," he said.He also credited the programme's coordinators for the smooth running of the scholarship. Hesays he never experienced delays, and that this is what enabled him to complete on time. Hadthere been delays or mistreatment along the way, he says, he might not have reached his goal.Kenya is not new to Mr. Ariik: he spent seven years at Kakuma Refugee Camp during hisprimary education before returning to South Sudan for his secondary schooling in Wau andfurther studies. Coming back as a scholar was easier than he expected. The main challenge
was the Kiswahili language barrier when making friends, which he overcame by askingpeople to speak to him in English.His advice to those hoping to win a similar opportunity is simple: stay focused. He urgesscholars to use the chance well and to honour the people who made it possible. "I alsoappreciate those who have given me this chance, and I did not misuse it."Three more TU-K sponsored scholars are expected to graduate, two at PhD level and one atMaster's level. Meanwhile, the department is already looking ahead. Applications for phasethree of NORHED funding are expected to open soon, and the department hopes phase threewill bring more TU-K researchers into the funding pool and deepen North-Southcollaboration.The scholarship is coordinated by the Department of Liberal, Development and InternationalStudies. Its Chairperson, Dr. Catherine Nafuna Nandain describes the department asmultidisciplinary, drawing students from many different fields. The department offers a PhDand Master's in Global Development and Public Policy and a PhD in Global Governance andSecurity, and a PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy is soon to be launched. Atundergraduate and diploma level, it offers a BA in Criminology and Security Management, aDiploma in Criminology and Security Studies and a Diploma in Legal Studies. It has alsoadvertised a range of short courses.Postgraduate classes are held online from 7 p.m., so working professionals can attend afterthe day's business, while examinations are done in person. The flexibility has drawn seniorprofessionals to the PhD programmes, including judges and justices. Dr. Nandain says thedepartment hopes to graduate at least six PhD candidates in the upcoming graduation, and itslong-term goal is for every programme to offer a PhD, Master's, undergraduate and diplomatrack. The department is also promoting its Disaster Management programme, which it saysis highly relevant to city councils, firefighters and security agencies.As it grows, the department is urging organisations and individuals to partner with it, so thatit can train more people across Kenya, the region and the world.