Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has partnered with the University of Pretoria (UP), South Africa, to host a two-day Workshop targeted on enhancing analysis administration and capability growth. The Workshop, which occurred from 1st to 2nd April, 2026 on 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 individual for the partnership between MMUST and UP.
While formally closing the Workshop, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, reaffirmed MMUST’s dedication to enhancing analysis capability amongst its students. “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,” stated 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, emphasised that Universities are more and more measured by the impression of their analysis, innovation and international 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,” acknowledged Prof. Bukhala throughout an interview with DCCM. Further, Prof. Bukhala shared that he and Mr. Kaleb Mwendwa, the Coordinator of the MMUST Grants Office, secured a journey 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 famous. Mr. Mwendwa echoed Prof. Bukhala’s sentiments, stating that the Workshop was important for equipping researchers with important expertise, notably in time administration 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 on the Workshop.
In the identical interview, Dr. Rakeshnie revealed that the connection between MMUST and UP spans 5 (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 should navigate each the complexities of analysis administration and the University’s broader strategic context so as to maximize the impression, sustainability and moral 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 identified, including that researchers ought to construct strategic partnerships by means of networks and alliances.
Dr. Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl makes a presentation through the MMUST-UP Workshop on 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,” famous Mr. Sedwyn through the interview. His presentation targeted on Science, Diplomacy and Internationalization, the place he illustrated how the three drive institutional progress. He particularly highlighted the necessity to align particular person analysis outputs with the University’s broader strategic objectives, saying that this may maximize international impression.
The transformative two-day Workshop by MMUST and the University of Pretoria is a collaborative initiative that may undoubtedly streamline analysis processes and improve grant-looking for capabilities. By offering important instruments and strategic insights, the partnership establishes a sturdy framework for educational innovation and empowers researchers to considerably elevate institutional output.