World Vision Kenya partners with local university to boost research and development

By Ivy Muigai, World Vision Communications Specialist, Kenya 

In an effort to enhance its work in research and development across the country, World Vision Kenya has signed a five-year renewable Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with St. Paul’s University (SPU), a local Christian-based higher learning institution in Kenya.

Through the MoU, the two organisations will explore potential and mutually beneficial areas of research collaboration that will promote evidence-based decision making. They will also join hands in child protection advocacy and the spiritual nurture of children in Kenya.

Guided by the theme Enhanced Partnerships for Service to God and Humanity, the MoU sets forth a well-defined statement of intent that will see World Vision Kenya and St. Paul’s University establish a collaboration for mutual assistance through high quality research and consultancy, dissemination of research findings, capacity building and community outreach.

The MoU was signed by Mr. James Ang’awa, the Ag.National Director for World Vision Kenya and Canon Professor James Kombo, the Vice-Chancellor of St. Paul’s University. It was declared official by the University’s Chancellor, Professor Margaret Kobia.

Professor Kobia, who also serves as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programmes, lauded the partnership between the two entities.

“The signing of this MoU is an expression of our strong relationship and the theme ‘Partnerships for Service to God and Humanity’ would not have come at a better time. I have no doubt that the strong bond between the two organisations will create synergies for both parties, and importantly, for the furtherance of research, community development and sensitisation in humanitarian development and other areas of common interest in Kenya and beyond.” said Professor Kobia.

James Ang’awa highlighted the importance of value-based partnerships, noting that World Vision Kenya’s engagement with St Paul’s University will enhance its work with the Ministry of Education and the Church in Kenya.

“This will benefit the most vulnerable children in the country, which is a critical part of the World Vision’s 2021 – 2025 strategy,” he said.

Professor James Kombo, the Vice Chancellor of St. Paul’s University noted that for partnerships to succeed, they should not be entered into casually. 

“Both parties must be committed, consistent and ready to make sacrifices to ensure children and communities benefit,” said Prof. Kombo.

With regard to project development and fundraising, he noted that both parties will provide joint technical expertise in the review or development of project proposals.

The launch ceremony was also graced by Lilian Dodzo, the Regional Leader for World Vision in East Africa, World Vision Kenya Board Members, as well as Rev. Canon Rosemary Mbogo, the Provincial Secretary of the Anglican Church of Kenya.