PS, Higher Education, Dr Beatrice Inyangala Commissions National NRF-funded equipment at the Assessment and Research Center (ARC), KISE
Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Dr Beatrice Inyangala, on Friday, 7th July 2023, commissioned equipment at the Assessment and Research Center (ARC), KISE. The PS was accompanied by the Chairman, NRF Board of Trustees, Prof. Ratemo Michieka, Chairman of KISE Council, Mr Habat Sheikh Abdi, OGW, Director KISE Dr Norman Kiogora and CEO NRF Prof. Dickson Andala.
National Research Fund (NRF) has significantly funded the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) towards equipping the groundbreaking National Psycho-Educational Assessment and Research Centre. NRF is mandated to mobilize and manage financial resources to facilitate research for the advancement of science, technology, and innovation in Kenya. This initiative aligns with the NRF’s core mandate of promoting innovation, advancing knowledge and driving social and economic development.
KISE was awarded an infrastructural grant of Ksh 34,924,510 from the NRF on 25th June 2019, enabling the equipping of the National Psycho-Educational Assessment and Research Centre. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge equipment, the Centre sets a new standard for special needs education in East and Central Africa.
While commissioning the grant project, the Principal Secretary of Higher Education, Dr Beatrice Inyangala, said that the Ministry of Education had adopted a mainstreaming approach, integrating learners with special needs into regular classrooms alongside their peers without disabilities, aligning with the Kenyan constitution’s vision of inclusive education.
The PS lauded NRF for supporting inclusive education through the equipping of the National Psycho-Educational Assessment and Research Centre,
“This investment highlights the government’s commitment to advancing knowledge and driving social and economic development in Kenya.” She spoke.
She added that by equipping educational institutions and promoting research, the NRF ensures that Kenya embraces inclusivity, provides equal opportunities to all learners, and creates a society that recognizes and values the contributions of individuals with disabilities.
Speaking at the commissioning event, the Chair of the Board of NRF, Prof. Prof Emeritus, Ratemo Michieka, emphasized the importance of research funding in driving innovation, advancing knowledge, and promoting social and economic development.
“As the National Research Fund, we recognize the significance of supporting initiatives that enhance society. The funding provided to the National Psycho-Educational Assessment and Research Centre represents a milestone in our efforts to improve inclusive education. It is our privilege to stand alongside KISE in this journey of ameliorating society.”
The National Psycho-Educational Assessment and Research Centre (ARC), equipped through the NRF’s funding, serves as a beacon of research in assessment and early interventions. Its interactions with other institutions and universities will foster collaboration, benefiting academia and driving further educational advancements.
NRF looks forward to the specific research work at the Centre and remains committed to supporting its future endeavours through potential additional funding opportunities.
The PS commissioned the equipment in the presence of Chairman KISE Council, Mr Habat Sheikh Abdi, OGW, Chairperson NRF Prof. Ratemo Michieka, Director KISE Dr Norman Kiogora and CEO NRF Prof. Dickson Andala.
ARC, which plays a vital role in identifying the support needs of learners with special needs, has grown to be a state-of-the-art facility in the East and Central Africa Region.
