Monday, 2 March 2026: At a week-long Training Workshop on Science Translation to Inform Policy and Practice for Food Systems Transformation, held at the United Kenya Club, senior leadership and researchers gathered to redefine the role of academia in national development.
Hosted under the Kenya Science Translation Hub, the workshop brings together early-career researchers and PhD candidates from the University of Nairobi (UoN), University of Embu, and Maseno University, alongside postdoctoral researchers from the University of Leeds. The initiative, funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), aims to position UoN as a regional Centre of Excellence in Science Translation.
In her remarks during the official opening of the training, Prof. Leonidah Kerubo, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise, addressed the historical disconnect in African academia. "The problem we have in universities in Africa is a culture problem," reflecting on her own career as a Professor of Organic Chemistry. ," ,"I was never shown how to move research to policies or to innovations or to commercialise research, ... this week marks the beginning of a bold journey, one that strengthens our national capacity to turn research into action,". Prof. Kerubo stated.
Prof. Kerubo emphasized that while the university is an ,"intellectual engine," with over 21,700 publications, it was essential for these findings to reach those who need them most. “ It is an investment in future leaders who will ensure that research no longer ends on our shelves... but in policies, innovations, and improved livelihoods," she said of the workshop’s relevance.
Prof. Thomas Ochuku, Director of Research and Enterprise, connected science translation directly to economic stability, noting that Kenya loses roughly 40 percent of its agricultural production due to post-harvest challenges. "I see this initiative as an opportunity; we want to cure that system failure," he said, encouraging researchers to engage with systems and structures rather than working in silos.
The Kenya Science Translation Hub leader, Prof. Cecilia Onyango, highlighted the shift from literature-based gaps to community-driven solutions. ,"For many years, researchers have been sitting somewhere and going into the literature, but in reality, there are community challenges and the communities are asking for Solutions,"; she explained. Prof. Onyango noted that the workshop aims to create “policy-aware scientists," who can break down complex data into actionable insights for policymakers struggling to review existing frameworks.
The importance of effective communication was echoed by Mr. John Orindi, Director of Corporate Affairs. He urged scientists to look beyond high-impact journals to see how their work can be repackaged for the public. ,"Science is very important, but science must go where it is supposed to be,," Mr. Orindi remarked. ,"Network and work as a team so that we convert what we have found into products and useful services that can be consumed by citizens of the world", he said.
The objectives of the Kenya Science Translation Hub align with the University of Nairobi Strategic Plan 2023–2027, which prioritises research, innovation, and community service for societal transformation.