Empowering Diversity: NRF Clinches Top Honor at DIAR Awards for Inclusive Research Funding
The recent conferral of the Most Inclusive Research Funding Agency 2024 at the National Diversity and Inclusion Awards and Recognition (DIAR Awards) to the National Research Fund (NRF) stands as a significant accolade in Nairobi’s annual event. The sixth edition of the annual National Diversity and Inclusion Awards and Recognition (DIAR Awards) took place on the 22nd of March, 2024 at the Sarit Expo in Nairobi. Organized by Daima Trust, these awards commend the efforts of various stakeholders in fostering inclusive, equitable, and sustainable environments within their organizations and the broader Kenyan society.
For the NRF, this award not only symbolizes recognition of its efforts to integrate diversity and inclusion into its operational ethos but also strengthens its mandate as a leader in the research funding arena. The NRF has consistently endeavored to ensure that its funding opportunities are accessible to a wide range of demographics, including persons with disabilities, women and girls, youth, and ethnic minorities. This approach not only amplifies underrepresented voices in the research community but also encourages studies that address diverse societal issues, thus enriching the scientific discourse in Kenya.
The acknowledgment by the DIAR Awards enhances the NRF’s reputation as a progressive entity, attracting more diverse applications and promoting collaborations across different societal segments. It underscores the importance of diversity in driving innovation and scientific inquiry, thereby supporting the NRF’s mission to develop sustainable solutions for local and global challenges. As James Maina, the executive director of Daima Trust, noted, such recognitions spur further commitment towards creating environments where every individual has the chance to contribute and thrive. The award reaffirms the NRF’s role as a change agent, committed to fostering an inclusive research landscape that not only addresses but celebrates diversity.
