On 13 March 2026, the Centre for Research, Training and Publications (CRTP) organized a training session on the foundations of data analysis for MA students at the Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR). The training aimed to equip students with essential skills in research methods and data analysis. The session was attended by 27 students, with 17 participating in person and 10 joining online. The first session was facilitated by Prof. Elias Opongo, who provided key insights on developing clear research objectives and questions. He emphasized that poorly defined objectives make it difficult to collect meaningful data and underscored the importance of aligning research questions with appropriate methodologies and data analysis techniques.
Participants also engaged in practical sessions on data entry and coding using Excel and SPSS, facilitated by Mr. Linus Kawuondi and Mr. Hezbon Awiti. These sessions highlighted the importance of proper data organization as a foundation for effective analysis. The training was well received, with students expressing appreciation for the practical approach and requesting additional sessions to further strengthen their analytical skills in preparation for their thesis work.