We welcome you to the Directorate of Partnerships and Collaboration (DPC), Division of Research Innovation and Outreach (RIO). The mandate of DPC is to foster strategic relationships that create synergy and innovation by leveraging our partners’ strengths, different skills, resources, and perspectives, leading to more creative solutions and stronger outcomes.
Collaborations and partnerships are fundamental to achieving ambitious goals and addressing complex challenges with shared benefits and growth. As the world focuses on achieving Sustainable Development Goals, Africa strives to attain Agenda 2063 “The Africa We Want,” DPC is well-guided to harness partnerships that allow us to share resources, expertise, and perspectives, ultimately driving innovation and creating a greater impact.
The Directorate of Partnerships and Collaborations continuously looks for new opportunities to leverage the power of collaboration. As the Nation of Kenya journeys towards Vision 2030, we are facing extraordinary challenges in economic, social, and political realms, and we believe that by working together, we can achieve significant breakthroughs.
From April 22nd to 26th, KCA University hosted a dynamic Learning and Design Lab activity, bringing together a diverse group of twenty participants—ten from KCA University and ten from the University of Nottingham in the UK. This collaborative initiative aimed to address a pressing industry problem provided by Chemolex, a company specializing in plastic recycling in the Korogocho slums. The project was generously sponsored by the British Council, emphasizing the significance of international cooperation and sustainable development.
The week-long event focused on harnessing the creativity and technical skills of the participants to develop innovative solutions for plastic waste management in one of Nairobi’s most challenging environments. Chemolex presented a real-world problem: the effective collection, processing, and repurposing of plastic waste to reduce environmental impact and improve the livelihoods of Korogocho residents.
To guide the participants through this complex challenge, Circle Innovation conducted a series of intensive innovation sessions. These sessions were designed to stimulate creative thinking, foster teamwork, and provide the necessary tools and methodologies for effective problem-solving. Circle Innovation’s facilitators employed a variety of techniques, including design thinking, rapid prototyping, and iterative testing, to help students translate their ideas into tangible prototypes.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in hands-on activities and collaborative discussions. They explored different aspects of the plastic recycling process, from collection strategies and sorting mechanisms to innovative product design using recycled materials. The diverse backgrounds of the participants, combining local insights from KCA students with the technical expertise of their Nottingham counterparts, enriched the problem-solving process and led to a multitude of innovative ideas.
CPA, Dr. Sporta’s visit at Livingston International University (LIU) in Uganda was a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. Located in the vibrant city of Mbale, LIU is known for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Dr. Sporta conducted lectures and workshops, contributed to curriculum development, and collaborated on research writting focusing on women’s empowerment for SMEs.
Engaging in community outreach through educational workshops, volunteering, and participating in cultural events further enriched the experience. This scholarship fostered personal growth, teaching resilience, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity. The friendships and professional connections from; Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) LIU, Institute of certified accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), Mbarara University of science and technology (MUST), Makerere University School of business(MUBS), St. Bishops Steward University etc made during this period are cherished and will continue to influence KCAU brand and that of Dr. Sporta’s future endeavors.
