Heri Africa Kenyatta University Research Chair Seminar
“Co-Creating Knowledge for Better Learning Outcomes”
The HERI Africa Initiative at Kenyatta University successfully convened a three-day “Research Co-Creation Workshop” from 16–18 June 2026 at Seo Hotel, Machakos County. The workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, education practitioners, and partner organizations to strengthen the Research Chair in Life Skills and Values Education and advance evidence-based educational research in Kenya.
Designed as a collaborative platform, the workshop aimed to refine research questions, harmonize methodologies, strengthen data collection tools, and develop practical implementation strategies for the research program. By fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, the initiative reinforced a shared commitment to producing high-quality evidence that can inform education policy and practice. The first day focused on establishing a common understanding of the research agenda through presentations and discussions on the HERI Africa initiative, the Research Chair in Life Skills and Values Education, and the current landscape of life skills and values education in Kenya. Participants from government, academia, and partner organizations contributed valuable perspectives that helped shape the direction of the research program.
On the second day, researchers worked collaboratively to harmonize methodologies and refine research questions across thematic areas, including gender and inclusion, teacher capacity development, classroom practice, parental engagement, and special needs education. Through thematic discussions and plenary sessions, participants strengthened the methodological rigor needed to ensure consistency and quality throughout the study.
The final day focused on translating the research design into action.
Participants developed fieldwork plans, standardized data collection procedures, assigned regional study clusters, established coordination mechanisms, and identified strategies for quality assurance and risk management. These outcomes provide a clear roadmap for implementing the research program effectively. The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to collaborative, Africa-led research that addresses national education priorities. By bringing together diverse expertise and fostering meaningful partnerships, the HERI Africa Research Co-Creation Workshop has laid a strong foundation for generating evidence that will strengthen the integration, implementation, and assessment of life skills and values education in Kenya. The initiative represents an important step toward ensuring that research informs policy, enhances educational practice, and contributes to better learning outcomes for future generations.
research ecosystem by making it more relevant, impactful, sustainable, and firmly rooted in Africa’s priorities. By establishing Research Chairs across universities, participants were informed that HERI Africa would strengthen locally led research, foster collaboration among institutions, and promote the decolonization of knowledge production. The HERI Africa Kenyatta University Research Chair focuses on generating evidence on effective approaches to nurturing life skills and values among learners. Participants were taken through the Chair’s objectives, including the development and testing of practical models for integrating life skills and values education across Kenya, supporting the successful implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, and improving learning outcomes for all learners.
Dr. John Mugo of Miziz Elimu Afrika, who is the Co-Research Chair, led an engaging discussion on democratizing education research, emphasizing the importance of research that is conducted with, for, and by Africans. The seminar highlighted HERI Africa’s research capacity-building initiatives and discussions on strengthening research excellence within the university. Beyond knowledge sharing, the seminar reinforced the importance of collaboration among researchers, academic institutions, and policymakers in addressing Africa’s education challenges. By creating spaces for dialogue and partnership, HERI Africa continues to build a strong foundation for innovative, context-responsive research that informs policy and practice. The seminar highlighted HERI Africa Kenyatta University’s vision of strengthening Africa-led education research, advancing life skills and values education, and building research capacity through collaboration.
with the necessary skills and values to thrive in the 21stcentury. Established under the Harnessing Education Research for Impact in Africa (HERI Africa) initiative, the Research Chair will provide a platform for generating evidence to support curriculum innovation, teacher development and education policy, while also promoting holistic learner development. Prof. Mike Kuria, Chief Executive Officer of the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the chief Guest described the Research Chair as a timely and strategic initiative with the potential to transform education by embedding life skills and values within learning systems, and by strengthening evidence-based policy and practice. He emphasized that higher education must embrace practical, transformative research that responds to societal needs.
reaffirmed the university’s commitment to research excellence, innovation and community impact, Prof. Wanjohi delivered the Vice Chancellor’s speech describing the initiative as a landmark step in advancing Africa-led research that addresses the continent’s educational priorities and societal needs. The speech-Pointed out Kenyatta University’s robust research capabilities and its leadership in teacher education, reaffirming its preparedness to host the Research Chair and contribute to evidence-based educational reforms. He also emphasized the importance of building researchers’ capacity, strengthening life skills and values education, and fostering research that influences policy and practice. Professor Wacheke concluded by conveying the Vice-Chancellor’s gratitude to the Ministry of Education and HERI Africa partners for their ongoing support in driving transformative research in Africa.
She highlighted the importance of collaboration with the government, universities, schools, communities and development partners in order to advance policy and improve classroom practice. She noted that the initiative aims to equip learners with the competencies and values necessary for lifelong learning and responsible citizenship. Dr John Mugo, Executive Director of Mizizi Elimu Afrika and HERI Africa KU Co-Research Chair, talked about the importance of linking research with practice, and of promoting sustained investment in educational research, in order to influence policy and sustainable development across Africa.