KGS Degree Programmes Undergo Rigorous Evaluation by the Commission for University Commission

The KEMRI Graduate School (KGS) is to offer four unique Doctor of Philosophy Degree Programmes (PhD) if and when chartered as a degree awarding Institution, the Commission for University Education (CUE) heard.

The degree programmes include, the Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Products Development and Evaluation, Doctor in Philosophy in Population Health and Bio-surveillance, Doctor in Philosophy in Health Systems and Preventive Sciences and Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biological Sciences.

On the 11th and 12th of April 2024, the Commission conducted a site audit of the academic programmes to be offered by the KGS. CUE led by the Deputy Commission Secretary, Accreditation Division, Prof. Urbanus Mutwiwa noted that the proposed four programmes had met the requirements as per CUE standards and would be recommended for approval by the commission.

Last weeks’ exercise was a follow-up of an elaborate inspection carried out by the same commission on the 16th of December 2022 that assessed the extent to which KEMRI was adhering to the Universities Standards in the areas of governance and management, complement of facilities in support of programmes on offer, academic resources, library resources, quality assurance, finance and security related issues. KEMRI’s decision to propose four new PhD programs shows its proactive stance toward addressing emerging health challenges. Validated by internal and external stakeholders, these programs signal a strategic move towards boosting research capacity.

Making a case for accreditation of the four programmes, acting Director of Research Capacity Building, Dr. Martin Bundi, said, “KEMRI has a robust team of well established scientists that are available to teach and mentor the students, excellent state-of-the art research facilities, and postgraduate teaching experience”.

Strong management practices, including ISO certification and good financial practices were also mentioned as factors that would facilitate the training. Dr. Bundi further stated that, KEMRI Graduate School is well known for its contributions to health sciences and stands as a committed institution with a mandate for capacity building in research.

The acting Director-General of KEMRI, Prof. Elijah Songok, in his speech, thanked the CUE stating, “On behalf of KEMRI management and the Board, I want to thank you for taking time to come and inspect the academic resources that will support the proposed PhD. programmes.” He noted that this was a journey that began a couple of years ago and that the institute was keen in being chartered to offer degrees in the proposed four
programmes and beyond so as to contribute to the much needed health workforce, well trained to provide solutions to the regional and global health challenges. He assured the team of KEMRI’s commitment to working together with the commission in the journey towards the charter.

The audit included facilities, equipment and teaching materials, core text and journals and academic staff and highlighted the strengths, weaknesses and made recommendations for improvement. Prof. Mutwiwa emphasized the purpose of their evaluation, stating, “We are here to assess the resources availability, adequacy and accessibility to the students.”

The CUE team and peer reviewers were received at the various centres and facilities across the institute during the two-day site inspection visit. The inspection ended with very positive feedback to the Institute that the four proposed programmes had met the CUE requirements as per the standards and would be recommended for approval by the commission subject to addressing the minor areas of improvement.

Also present during the event were the Programme leads, Prof. Bernhards Ogutu, Prof. Walace Bulimo, Prof. Benjamin Tsofa and Dr. Luna Kamau; Centre Deputy Directors; KEMRI scientific and technical staff; KEMRI Graduate School faculty and staff; and some of the ongoing students.