The National Research Fund (NRF) has unveiled the National Outstanding Research Awards (NORA) during the just concluded Inaugural Kenya National Research Festival 2024.
The awards established to recognize and celebrate exceptional contributions to research and innovation in Kenya, were presented today after a successful week-long festival running under the theme “Research Partnerships and Collaborations for Socio-Economic Transformation”.
In addition to the year’s awards, NORA featured the introduction of the Life Time Research Awards, recommended by the Jury to honour researchers whose work has significantly shaped the research landscape in Kenya and three eminent scholars were awarded and conferred.
Professor Ruth Nduati, was honoured for her contributions to pediatric and public health research and her ground-breaking work in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV has set a global standard, improving healthcare outcomes in Kenya and beyond.
The lifetime achievement award is a testament to Prof. Nduati unwavering commitment to advancing medical research, her exceptional leadership in the global health arena, and her enduring legacy as a champion for the health and rights of women and children”, the Jury said.
Prof. Nduati’s work, according to the Jury exemplifies the pinnacle of scientific excellence and humanitarian dedication, making her a true luminary in the world of medicine and public health.
Professor David Musyimi Ndetei was recognized for his pioneering work in psychiatry and mental health and his ground-breaking research and advocacy have greatly advanced mental health services and policy in Kenya and globally.
Prof. Ndetei has played a pivotal role in various international collaborations, advancing research that spans from clinical trials to community health interventions and his extensive body of work includes numerous peer-reviewed publications and books which has profoundly influenced the field of psychiatry in areas of substance abuse and also the integration of mental health into primary healthcare.
Another scholar was Professor Paul Kamau Mbugua who has contributed biodiversity conservation and his research on indigenous medicinal plants and sustainable conservation practices has had a profound impact on both national and global scientific communities.
Prof. Mbugua’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in his development of innovative academic programs and his mentorship of numerous Ph.D. and Master students, many of whom have become influential figures in their own right.
other distinguished researchers who were recognised were Professor Mary Abukutsa-Onyango who was celebrated for her pioneering research in agricultural sciences, particularly in the promotion and sustainability of indigenous vegetables and plants, Dr. Oscar Omondi Donde, recognized for his dedication to environmental sustainability and research, particularly in water resource management and ecosystem health, Christine Wayua Musyimi was honoured for her innovative research in community mental health, focusing on interventions for depression, dementia, and intimate partner violence in underserved communities and Eng. Aggrey Shitsukane Shisiali was acknowledged for his contributions to electrical and electronics engineering, particularly in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
The awards were presented by the Chair of the Jury, the Chair of NRF, and the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Education represented by Fredrick Ndambuki, Secretary, of Education.
The National Research Fund is a statutory body established under the Science Technology and Innovation Act 2013, mandated to facilitate research in science, technology, and innovation, support scientific research and innovation, and compile and maintain a national database of research and innovation in Kenya.
By Wangari Ndirangu
