“Our goal is to provide our academic community with not only the tools they need but also the environments in which they can thrive.”
At a visit to Kenya in July 2024, the Vice Provost for Academic Personnel, Fred M. Nafukho delivered a keynote address at Kenyatta University entitled: incentivizing and empowering women faculty scholarship in Kenya. During the trip, Nafukho met with the Kenyatta University Leadership team comprised of Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nelson Wawire, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Outreach, and Prof. Grace Bunyi, the Registrar for Corporate Affairs.
At the University of Nairobi, he met with the Prof. Stephen Kiama, the Vice Chancellor and the UW Alumni Network faculty working at the University of Nairobi, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenyatta National Hospital Training, Research and Innovation Center and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The UW alumni present included Prof Ruth Nduati, Dr. Dalton C. Wamalwa, Dr. Alfred O Osoti, Dr. Kenneth Ngure, Dr. Elizabeth Bukusi, Dr. Nelly R Mugo, and Dr. John Kinuthia.
Dr. Nafukho’s conversation with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Prof. Stephen Kiama centered on the intricate relationship between leadership, governance, and the sustainable social impact of higher education institutions. Their discussions highlighted how the frameworks within which universities operate can significantly influence their ability to innovate and grow. Effective leadership, as Dr. Nafukho emphasized, is grounded in the notion that informed decision-making should be based on governance structures that empower students, faculty, and staff.
“Our goal,” Dr. Nafukho noted, “is to provide our academic community with not only the tools they need but also the environments in which they can thrive.” This vision speaks to the broader objective of academia—to promote inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all. However, achieving this requires more than just policy changes; it demands a proactive approach that includes interdisciplinary research, global collaboration, and innovative strategies that look beyond the immediate future.
Reflecting on the visit, Dr. Nafukho expressed his appreciation for the warm reception from the University of Nairobi community: “Thank you to Vice Chancellor UoNBI, Professor Stephen Kiama, the UW alumni network at the University of Nairobi, and the faculty and staff for your warm welcome and reception. I’m honored to be part of this ongoing partnership and continuing our innovative conversation about effective leadership, governance systems, and the impact of empowering faculty and staff.”
The visit also celebrated the ongoing partnership efforts between faculty members, with special recognition given to UW alumni: Professors Ruth W. Nduati, Dr. Dalton Wamalwa, Dr. Nelly Mugo, Dr. John Kinuthia, Dr. Kenneth Ngure, and Dr. Marianne Mureithi for their contributions. Their work exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed to drive these initiatives forward and confirms UW’s global impact. As HEIs navigate the complexities of today’s educational landscape, the insights shared by Dr. Nafukho serve as a reminder that leadership, when grounded in effective governance, can be a powerful catalyst for change. By fostering environments where innovation and collaboration are not just encouraged but embedded in the institutional culture, universities can continue to be beacons of learning and development for generations to come.
