The journey towards transforming African education research has reached a defining milestone with the launch of Harnessing Education Research for Impact in Africa (HERI Africa) at Kisii University in Kenya.

Education CS Hon Julius Ogamba speaking at the event as he launches HERI Africas National Education Research Agenda (NERA) at Kisii University

HERI Africa brings together government, higher education institutions, civil society, strategic partners, and research organisations to jointly improve the quality of education in Africa by drawing on research evidence.

Responding to Needs
The launch came at a time when research findings indicate that Africa currently contributes only about three per cent of global education research output, yet it bears a significant share of the global education burden.

HERI Africa seeks to change this trajectory by strengthening university-based research to increase Africa’s contribution to global education research to 30 per cent by 2050.

The visionary undertaking responds to long-standing challenges in Africa’s education research ecosystem, including low research productivity, limited funding, weak alignment with national priorities, and limited uptake of research evidence in decision-making.

A Joint Call for Africa-led Research

A group photo featuring Education CS Hon Julius Ogamba and representatives from the government, partners, and other participants during the launch of HERI Africa

Speaking at the event, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon Julius Ogamba,emphasised the Government’s commitment to research and innovation as pillars of national development, insisting that “universities were no longer just places of teaching, but engines of knowledge, innovation, and solutions to everyday challenges.”

He emphasised, “Research helps shape policies and programmes that make a real difference. That is exactly what HERI Africa is designed to create. HERI Africa exists to catalyse the transition from a research paper to a lived reality that transforms lives. Research must also be treated as a core university mission, not an extra activity.”

Prof Mike Kuria, CEO of the Commission for University Education, lauded the initiative, noting, “By anchoring research in a National Education Research Agenda and strengthening institutional capacity, HERI Africa lays the foundation for a coherent, relevant, and accountable education research ecosystem.”

CS Ogamba with Kisii Vice Chancellor Prof Nathan Ogechi, Kisii University Chair of Council Dr Sara Ruto and other guests at Kisii University during the launch of HERI Africa.

Kisii University Chair of Council, Dr Sara Ruto, challenged universities to demonstrate their capabilities in research, noting that planning is complete; it is now up to you, as universities, to show you are able. Let’s now do the work.”

The Vice Chancellor of Kisii University, Prof Nathan Ogechi, said Kisii University was proud to be part of the journey to a transformative step for African higher education and to contribute to Africa-led research that speaks to African realities.

On his part, Dr John Mugo, Executive Director of Zizi Afrique Foundation, lauded HERI Africa for shifting power and purpose in research, ensuring African researchers and institutions lead in generating knowledge that drives meaningful change.

HERI Africa is built on a nationally led agenda that aligns education research with Kenya’s priorities, including the Competency-Based Education reforms. The initiative aims to ensure research directly informs policy and decision-making.