On 12th March 2026, faculty members from Hekima University College (HUC) participated in a research grant writing training organized by the Centre for Research, Training and Publication (CRTP). The session brought together nine faculty members and was facilitated by Prof. Elias Opongo, Director of CRTP. Prof. Opongo opened the training by highlighting the importance of research grants in supporting innovative research and knowledge production. He emphasized their role in strengthening institutional research capacity, enhancing university visibility and ranking, and addressing Africa’s development challenges.
The session also explored key challenges faced by African researchers, including limited institutional support, inadequate training in grant proposal writing, restricted access to global funding opportunities, and weak international research networks. In response, practical strategies for developing competitive grant proposals were shared. The training further highlighted emerging thematic areas that attract significant funding, such as climate change, food security, environmental peacebuilding, and religion and peace. Faculty members expressed their appreciation to CRTP for organizing the insightful training and called for more such initiatives to support their intellectual and professional growth.