The National Association of Private Universities in Kenya (NAPUK) has challenged local universities to strengthen research collaboration, warning that limited partnerships are undermining innovation and societal impact.
NAPUK Secretary General Dr Vincent Gaitho said many institutions remain confined to narrow research agendas, resulting in academic outputs that rarely translate into practical solutions.
Speaking during the Kenya Association of Private Universities (KAPU) Retreat, Gaitho observed that while universities continue to produce graduate-level research, few studies evolve into commercialised innovations capable of addressing real-world challenges.
According to Dr Gaitho, the overreliance on tuition fees, particularly among private universities highlights the sector’s struggle to diversify revenue through grants, research funding, and commercialisation of innovations.
“Universities are meant to be hubs of answers, yet no single institution can break the glass ceiling alone; thus, there is need for aggressive collaboration with industry experts, researchers, and cross-disciplinary specialists,” he said.
Dr Gaitho, who is also the Chairman Mount Kenya University Council highlighted that research done in isolation often leads to duplication of efforts, limited viability and reduced societal impact.
He pointed to lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, saying disruptions in global supply chains exposed the vulnerability of countries lacking strong, homegrown research and innovation capacity.
To maintain future competitiveness among universities, Dr Gaitho called for more investment in research networks, building innovation ecosystems and aligning academic inquiry with national and regional development priorities.
“Universities must move beyond rewarding degrees to producing solutions. Collaboration is no longer optional; it is the foundation of meaningful research and top-notch innovation,” he said.
In a reflection of the partnerships he advocated, Mount Kenya University recently hosted Rwanda’s Ambassador to Kenya, Ernest Rwamucyo. During the visit, the envoy commended the institution’s commitment to quality, affordable, and globally competitive education and emphasised the need to strengthen collaboration with the Government of Rwanda in research, innovation, and capacity building.
MKU has an operational campus in Rwanda that has grown over the years highlighting the cordial relationship between the two countries in boosting education.
by Muoki Charles
