The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has welcomed the sixth cohort of scholars under the Ksh 258 million ($2 million) training programme funded by the Government of Kenya. This initiative is supported through the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) to bridge gaps in skills and knowledge critical for sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa.
Speaking at the event, James Muchiri, a Ministry of Education representative at the PASET Executive Board, emphasized the importance of the scholars’ impact on their communities. “As a government, we would be interested to see the value you as scholars will be adding to our countries. We want you to make a difference in the lives of people and communities you come from,” he said.
The newly selected cohort consists of 21 scholars from various universities, including 16 Kenyans and five scholars from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania. Kenya, as the primary financier of the programme, has been allocated 80% of the slots, with the remaining 20% distributed among scholars from other countries, in accordance with the PASET 80/20 rule.
Ruth Charo, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank and Task Team Leader for the Rsif project, highlighted the significance of international collaboration. “Since this is taxpayers’ money, the contributing countries have made a big sacrifice to ensure the African continent leapfrogs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for its prosperity. As the World Bank, we are very grateful to the African Host Universities (AHUs), International Partner Institutions (IPIs), African governments, and the Government of Korea that came together to ensure this programme is successful.”
This year’s selection process was highly competitive, with 21 scholars chosen from a pool of 810 applicants. Notably, eight of those selected are women, reflecting efforts to enhance gender diversity in STEM fields.
Since its establishment in 2015, Rsif has supported 302 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students, with 45 having graduated and returned to their home countries. The initiative, supported by multiple African governments and global partners, continues to foster a robust academic and research network in Africa, driving scientific innovation and socio-economic transformation.
