Elimika initiative receives more funding from Ford Foundation

Abstract

Ford Foundation has injected a further 250,000 USD towards the Elimika ‘Construction of Knowledge Societies’ initiative. This was revealed today by the Foundation’s Regional Representative, Mr. Maurice Makoloo during the project’s mid-term review. Makoloo commended the University of Nairobi and specifically the project team on the great strides thus far, noting that Ford Foundation has seen foresight, commitment and tenacity in the project team in the implementation of the initiative.

In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Magoha noted that through the production of critical thinkers, ‘Construction of Knowledge Societies’ gives a glimpse of what universities can do, given the right environment. Through research, innovative engagement and guided curiosity, universities prepare students to become change agents in their communities.

While looking at the journey thus far, various presentations on the progress were made by the project team. It emerged that indeed the implementation had seen the team reach out to five counties and spread knowledge on the understanding, appreciating and owning the Constitution 2010.

The team has contacted the five counties identified for the first phase which are Nairobi, Kwale, Makueni, Homabay and Turkana. In addition, the team has had meetings with Governors, Senators, Members of County Assemblies and other stakeholders on their role in the implementation of Constitution 2010. Already, research instruments have been pretested and a framework for the project has been developed. The team will now embark on baseline survey, initiate internships and conduct training for selected groups from the counties. A vibrant communication strategy that reflects the diversity of the counties has also been developed and Nation Media Group has offered to reach the masses through its various media platforms.

In addition, several stakeholders have come onboard. They include Rattansi Educational Trust, Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), Nation Media Group, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Devolution and Planning and Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

Under the leadership of the project leader, Prof. Judith Bahemuka, ‘Elimika,’ the initiative, has created an opportunity to relook at education and build knowledge blocks that will help Kenyans articulate their rights and responsibilities.