Kibabii University hosted a delegation from the UK–East Africa Research Management Capacity Strengthening Across the Grant Lifecycle Project on Thursday 24th July, 2025. The team was received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo, alongside the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Partnerships, Research and Innovation) Prof. Julius K. Maiyo.
The delegation was led by Dr. Hilary Lynch, the Principal Investigator from Royal Holloway, University of London. The project secured funding amounting to £49,994.00 from the British Academy through its Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) Research Management Capacity Strengthening 2024 programme.
The initiative is focused on enhancing research management capacity within both UK and East African institutions, with particular emphasis on the entire research grant lifecycle. The project seeks to empower research managers to support academic staff in key areas such as the development of competitive grant applications, navigation of legal and policy frameworks surrounding research funding, effective financial management of grants, and the dissemination, commercialization, and knowledge exchange of research outcomes. These goals will be achieved through a model of mutual learning that fosters a deep understanding of the institutional realities, priorities, and challenges faced by partner institutions.
Expected outcomes of the project include the establishment of improved financial management systems, development of a toolkit and training programme for legal and compliance staff, formulation of comprehensive institutional research policy frameworks, and creation of training modules focused on grant writing and commercialization. These outcomes are designed to elevate institutional capabilities and professionalize research management practices across participating institutions.
The project is jointly led by Co-Principal Investigators drawn from the participating institutions including; Prof. John Baptist Tumuhairwe (Makerere University), Dr. Becky Aloo (University of Eldoret), and Dr. Manasi Echaune (Kibabii University).
In addition, Kibabii University is represented by an internal team to support the implementation of the project. The team comprises Prof. Julius K. Maiyo, CPA Dr. Benjamin Oduori, CPA Judy Shibu, Dr. Paul Obino, and Ms. Jacqueline Wanjala. These officers bring together expertise in research management, finance, auditing, legal affairs, and institutional planning.
