By Sharon Mwazuna

On 7th June 2024], 22 students pursuing PhD in Development Studies, along with their lecturers, had breakfast with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban Peter Ayiro., at the Nairobi Campus Council Room.

After devotion and opening prayer by Dr. Gregory Nalianya, the HOD Development Studies, Dr. Mary Mogute welcomed guests to the meeting.

Prof. Ayiro reiterated his commitment to academic excellence and its role in shaping future leaders, researchers and innovators in the field of development studies. He discussed a wide array of topics ranging from research gaps, sustainable development practices, to the role of academia in shaping public policy.

Students seized the opportunity to propose an initiative known as The Mwangaza Institute, presented by the Class President Caleb Kandagor and Christine Nanjala.

Mwangaza Institute is aimed at providing an outlook with a local perspective that will drive stewardship among scholars in development studies, with a servant’s heart. Collaborative engagements including seminars, research symposiums, workshops and community research programs were proposed. The PhD students implored on the University to consider adopting the Mwangaza Institute initiative.

The University Management, through the Vice Chancellor, committed to foster a supportive collaborative academic environment with PhD students.

The breakfast meeting climaxed on a high note with the students expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to engage and connect with University management.