This archive report was first published on 12 November 2019.
On Monday, November 11, 2019, Deputy President William Ruto spoke at the opening of the Ulwazi training facility at the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) in Kitsuru, Nairobi County.
He emphasized the need for universities to focus on offering degree courses, rather than diploma and certificate courses, which he believed should be left to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and other middle-level colleges.
“Universities should concentrate on offering degree courses and also be more focused on research,” he explained.
Dr. Ruto noted that only 11% of doctorate students completed their studies on time, despite the country's need for researchers. He called on universities to invest more resources in STEM programs, arguing that evidence-based research is crucial for Kenya's economic growth.
The Deputy President praised APHRC's approach, which prioritizes African research on African issues to drive African decision-making.
He also appealed to the private sector to join forces with the government in funding research, saying that responsibility should not be left solely to the government.
“With competing priorities for public sector funding, it is imperative that private sector players join hands with the Government and invest in research institutions that will catalyse Africa’s development,” Dr. Ruto said.
