Kenya National Academy Of Sciences’ Post

Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS) Hosts Joint Meeting of Young Career Researchers from Kenya and Rwanda The Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS) convened a landmark meeting on 13th August 2025, bringing together Young Career Researchers from Kenya and their counterparts from Rwanda. The initiative seeks to revitalize research in the region, which has for years faced persistent challenges affecting early-career scientists. During the opening session, participants openly discussed the major hurdles confronting young researchers. These included the repeated failure of grant applications, difficulties in managing grants when awarded, and the unique challenges faced by women researchers, particularly in balancing professional and personal responsibilities. The Young Career Researchers benefited from valuable insights shared by distinguished scholars with experience both in active research and in policy-making at national and international levels. Prof. Emeritus Ratemo Michieka, who graced the occasion, emphasized that this program is both timely and critical, noting that Kenya currently lacks an organized body of young researchers capable of taking advantage of the opportunities available to youth in research. Vasey Mwaja addressed the key elements that contribute to successful proposal writing, providing practical advice to improve funding outcomes. Prof. Maitho further urged the young researchers to remain responsive to current societal needs and to align their work with the priorities of various stakeholders in order to remain competitive in the research arena. This collaborative platform between Kenyan and Rwandan early-career researchers is expected to foster mentorship, capacity building, and networking, ultimately strengthening the region’s research landscape. In attendance were Prof. Robinson Musembi and Julius Mwabora. Paul Bakisimon vudiyaShania AchiengEdward Ayienda