What we do
Building Kenya’s Education Research Ecosystem
HERI Africa strengthens Kenya’s education research system to deliver credible, relevant evidence that improves policy, practice, and learning outcomes. By 2028, Kenya will have a coherent, Africa-led research ecosystem supplying trusted evidence for national transformation.
- National Education Research Agenda:
HERI Africa is co-creating a National Education Research Agenda that defines Kenya’s most urgent education priorities and aligns research investment accordingly. At least 50% of national studies will contribute directly to this agenda, ensuring research is coordinated, strategic, and nationally owned.
- Centre for Education Research and Innovation (CERI) :
HERI Africa is establishing the Centre for Education Research and Innovation (CERI) as a national hub for research excellence.
CERI will strengthen 100 early-career university researchers, with at least 50% women and 10% persons living with disabilities, building expertise in:
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- Research methodology
- Grants management
- Communication and publication
This develops the next generation of African knowledge leaders capable of producing rigorous, policy-relevant research.
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- Research Chairs:
HERI Africa is operationalising five Research Chairs, with gender parity at their core. Drawing lessons from the South African Research Chairs Initiative, the Chairs will revitalise university-led scholarship and produce high-quality research that informs policy, theory, and practice.
- Democratizing Research Communication:
HERI Africa ensures research does not remain confined to academic journals. Over 1,000 research outputs will be shared in accessible formats tailored to African contexts, supporting:
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- Improved learning outcomes
- Holistic youth development
- Dignified livelihoods
Research is applied. Research is visible. Research shapes decisions.
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- Institutionalisation and Sustainable Financing:
By 2030, HERI Africa will be institutionalised within a government agency and manage an Education Research Fund equivalent to 2% of Kenya’s annual education budget. At least 25% of financing will come from government, African philanthropy, and Africa’s Diaspora, ensuring African ownership and long-term sustainability.
- Scaling Across Africa:
HERI Africa is building regional momentum through collaboration with research communities in Senegal, Ghana, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. Different contexts, shared ambition: Africa-led research ecosystems shaping policy across the continent.
Why this matters
HERI Africa represents a structural shift in how education research is organised, financed, and applied. Kenya is not only a user of global knowledge; it is a producer of research that informs national and regional leadership.
When we work
Kenya First (2025–2028)
HERI Africa begins in Kenya, laying the foundation for a nationally led research ecosystem. We:
- Set the National Education Research Agenda
- Establish Research Chairs in universities
- Strengthen early-career researchers
- Make research clear, visible, and applied
Result: Research that shapes policy, strengthens institutions, and improves learning outcomes.
Africa Next (2029–2035)
HERI Africa expands across Sub-Saharan Africa. We:
- Bring more countries into the ecosystem
- Strengthen regional research communities
- Grow African-led funding
- Ensure African research influences global education practice
Result: Africa leads its own education research, generating evidence that drives change continent-wide.
Where we work
Kenya
Our starting point: building a nationally led research ecosystem with universities and early-career researchers.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Expanding to Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal through partnerships with local research communities.
Continental Reach
Creating a connected network of African research hubs that generate evidence to shape policy and practice across the continent.
