The School of Mathematics and Physical Sciences (SMPS) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has trained researchers in grant writing as part of efforts to strengthen the university’s research capacity and funding success.
The workshop, held on March 18, 2026, brought together researchers drawn from SMPS on improving the quality and competitiveness of research proposals. The training is part of ongoing initiatives within the school, under the leadership of Dean Prof. Anthony Waititu, to enhance research output and funding uptake.
The session was led by Prof. Samuel M. Mwalili, a don of Statistics in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences at JKUAT, who guided participants through the key components of successful grant applications.
He emphasized the importance of clear research design, sound methodology, and well-structured proposals, urging researchers to be transparent about study limitations to build credibility with funding agencies.
Prof. Mwalili also encouraged the use of emerging tools, including artificial intelligence, to strengthen proposal development.
Ms. Ruth Ototo from Grants Directorate, urged researchers to utilize support from the grants directorate and other institutional structures to improve compliance and funding success. She also emphasized the importance of cross-departmental collaboration in advancing the university’s research agenda.
“As you know, JKUAT has been recognized for prudent management of research funds, and the university has a donor fund in place to support research initiatives,” she said.
Participants described the workshop as practical and motivating, noting that it provided strategies for navigating grant applications and handling rejection. They also called for stronger support in intellectual property development, particularly in promoting patents to ensure researchers benefit from their work.
The session concluded with a renewed focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, increased dissemination of research, and greater visibility of successful projects to strengthen the university’s research profile.
Dr. Waweru Mbogo from the Department of Physics urged researchers to prioritize impact-driven work, emphasizing the need to align grant applications with societal relevance.
