The Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Ogamba Migos, the Chief Guest, led the official launch of Harnessing Education Research for Impact (HERI) Africa on Thursday, 19th February 2026 in a ceremony attended by the Commission for University Education (CUE) management, Vice-Chancellors and representatives, research institutions, and development partners. 
The initiative aims to transform Africa’s research industry and make it locally driven, relevant, and sustainable.
"Decisions must be based on evidence and data," said Hon. Migos. "As a government, we will support research. That is why we have established an independent State Department of research. This shows our commitment to advancing knowledge." 

Left: The Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Ogamba Migos, cuts the ribbon to officially launch the HERI Africa office space at Kisii University.

Right: The Cabinet Secretary for Education addresses delegates during the HERI Africa launch ceremony.

Hon. Ogamba also revealed plans to increase national research funding from 0.8% to 2% and called on universities to lead in championing research initiatives. 
"I particularly like the council of Kisii University, which has promised that, other than clearing debts owed by the institution, they will champion the research agenda. We do not want leadership wrangles in universities where there are more fights than productivity," he added.
Following him, Prof. Mike Kuria, CEO of CUE, highlighted the purpose of HERI Africa and the need for research to have tangible societal impact.
"We do not want research that stays on our shelves. What is that research doing in our institutions? How is it impacting society?" he asked. "Currently, only three percent of global research is led by African researchers , this is not enough. HERI Africa has been established to change that."
 

Commission Secretary/CEO Prof. Mike Kuria delivers his remarks during the launch of HERI Africa at Kisii University on Thursday, 19th February 2026.

Prof. Kuria explained that the initiative will be African led, locally funded, and focused on solving real societal challenges. "We are establishing research chairs in different fields, hosted by three public universities, to make this sustainable. Research must benefit Africans, for Africans, and by Africans," he said.
Prof. Nathan Ogechi, Vice-Chancellor of Kisii University, outlined the university’s role in supporting high-impact research and postgraduate scholarships.

Delegates who attended the HERI Africa launch at Kisii University on 19th February 2026.

"HERI Africa is going to go beyond transformation. We will build institutional capacity, secure sustainable funding locally, and support research chairs starting with language education, which is crucial for preserving our cultural heritage," he said.
Prof. Ogechi called on early-career researchers to engage with the initiative and make a positive societal contribution, emphasizing a commitment to aligning education with research, expanding impact beyond academic publications, and advancing support for women researchers.
The launch drew participation from Meru University of Science and Technology, Chuka University, Masai Mara University, University of Embu, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, African Nazarene University, Uzima University, MMUST, Kenyatta University as well as NACOSTI, the National Research Fund, Zizi Afrique Foundation, and ESSA. Representatives emphasized collaboration, capacity building, and local funding as essential for sustaining HERI Africa.
HERI Africa has already established three research chairs in public universities across Kenya. Kisii University will host the Research Chair in Language Education, the University of Embu will host the Research Chair in Mathematics, and Kenyatta University will host the Research Chair in Learning Skills. The long-term vision is to expand these chairs to other African universities.
The initiative also aims to generate 1,000 research outputs, build a network of over 300 research communicators, and embed research into education reforms by 2028.
"One of the tragedies of research in Africa is that it is often communicated at the top level but not translated to the ground. HERI Africa seeks to change that," Prof. Kuria said. "By 2050, we hope Africa will shape global education theory. Indigenous knowledge must inform our discourse, and research must be grounded in African realities."

By Evelyn Okewo
Ag. Deputy Director, Corporate Communications