The National Research Fund (NRF) has officially launched its Grants Capacity Building Initiative (GCBI), a strategic programme aimed at enhancing the capacity of Kenya’s public and private institutions to attract funding through collaborative and high-impact research proposals. To mark the launch, NRF hosted a week-long GCBI Workshop from 9 to 13 June 2025 at Burch’s Resort, Naivasha, bringing together 65 participants from 30 institutions across the country.
Kabarak University was well represented by an eight-member delegation comprising faculty from various schools and departments. The team included Dr Phillip Nyawere, Director of Research, Innovation and Outreach; Mr Dennis Kinyua from the Department of Clinical Medicine; Dr Rose Murundu, Lecturer in Literature; Ms Melissa Mungai from the School of Law; Dr Ezra Rono from the School of Business and Economics; Dr Benjamin Mbatia, Lecturer in Mass Communications; Dr Daisy Ondwari, Lecturer in Computer Science; and Dr Kelvin Mogesa from the School of Pharmacy.
Left to Right: Dennis Kinyua, Rose Murundu, Benjamin Mbatia, Phillip Nyawere, Daisy Ondwari, Melissa Mungai, Kelvin Mogesa, and Ezra Rono pose for a group photo on Day 2 of the workshop.
The workshop focused on strengthening resource mobilisation in grant proposal writing, with a practical, clinic-style format that encouraged peer learning. The sessions were facilitated by a team of experts, including Dr JPR Ochieng’ Odero, Dr Laura Munene, and Mr Duncan Ondigo, who guided participants through a wide range of topics with utmost dedication.
Key training areas included institutional and individual strategies for resource mobilisation, understanding absorptive capacity, drafting budget justifications, and writing compelling, story-driven project summaries. Participants also explored the use of artificial intelligence and social media in creating persuasive funding pitches, as well as the ethical considerations increasingly relevant in the grant application process. Additionally, the workshop covered the development of responsive Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks, stakeholder management throughout the grant lifecycle, and mentorship pathways for academic leadership in research.
Dr Phillip Nyawere with his clinic members.
Melissa Mungai and Ezra Rono presenting a group pitch on Day 3.
The Kabarak University delegation expresses its sincere gratitude to the NRF for the opportunity to participate in such a timely and impactful initiative. The team looks forward to applying the knowledge gained to position Kabarak University for greater success in research funding and innovation, and to engaging in future collaborations that advance the national research agenda.
