nairobi newsletter

DAAD Regional Office for Africa - 4 І 2012

Job offer in Germany

The Rhine-Waal

University offers the

opportunity to pursue a

PhD in Life Sciences in

cooperation with any

university of the

applicant‘s choice.

Deadline of

application: November

1, 2012

This offer is particularly

directed to candidates

with a Master‘s degree

in economics, resource

economics, accounting/

taxation or related fields

with a strong focus on

quantitative methods.

More info

Research in Germany

Exciting research posi-

tions—for doctoral and

post-doctoral stu-

dents—are available

on a continuous basis

with the German Re-

search Foundation

(Deutsche Forschungs-

gemeinschaft, DFG).

More info

Editorial

DAAD

Regional Office for Africa

P.O.Box 14050-00800

Nairobi, Kenya

Director:

Christoph Hansert

Editor:

Anja Bengelstorff

Contact:

+254 733 929 929

info@daadafrica.org

DAAD awards 32 scholar-

ships in Uganda

For the 2012 DAAD In-Country Scholarship

Programme in Uganda, the final selection out

of more than 170 applications from all public

universities was concluded in August. 26 out-

standing academics received funding for a

Master’s degree or doctorate within Uganda

at either Makerere or Mbarara University.

The scholarship enables university staff or

public sector servants to advance their stud-

ies in higher education so that they can con-

tribute to the development of their country

and its universities.

Three new scholars for the DAAD In-Region

scholarships have also been identified: Cloe

Kemigambo is going to Malawi for her PhD in

Aquaculture and Fishery while Joel Kakaire

and Marion Iceduna will to do their Master in

Integrated Watershed Management in Kenya.

Ruth Naluyange is representing Uganda in

the DAAD-sponsored Master Course in Ger-

man Studies at the University of Nairobi.

Dr. Lawrence Mugisha and Dr. Saudah

Namyalo got awarded a post-doc grant to

follow up their studies at a German university.

To congratulate the outstanding students on

their scholarships, the German Ambassador

to Uganda, Mr. Klaus Dieter Düxmann, wel-

comed all selected candidates and the mem-

bers of the In-Country Pre-selection commit-

tee at his residence on 22nd

August 2012

where he and the DAAD representative Dr.

Mirjam Gille handed over the letters of award

to the new DAAD scholarship holders. Dr.

Lawrence Mugisha gave a speech on behalf

of the DAAD Alumni.

We congratulate the new DAAD beneficiaries,

wish them successful studies and welcome

them to the DAAD family.

Mirjam Gille

Kenya In-country Scholar-ship Awards 2012 For the 2012 In-country Scholarship Programme

in the University and Research Staff Develop-

ment category, a total of 23 scholarships were

awarded to public universities and a further 6 to

private universities.

While the final selection is done at DAAD Bonn,

a Pre-selection Panel made up of seasoned

University Staff reviewed the 2012 applications

in July. As DAAD Scholarships are awarded

purely on merit, this year saw the introduction of

Plagiarism tests on all PhD Proposals and a

thorough scrutiny on all Master applications

through a competitive process.

The scholarships were handed over by Chris-

toph Hansert, Director Regional Office for Af-

rica, to a happy crowd of new DAAD scholars

on 20th of September. An official handover is yet

to come during the annual cocktail to be hosted

by the German ambassador.

German Ambassador to Uganda ,Klaus Dieter Düxmann, Margaret Tibiita, Benson Oloya (scholarship holders, Muni University), Dr. Alfred Alumai, DAAD lecturer Dr. Mirjam Gille

page 2

newsletter 4│2012

Interdisciplinary research funded within the “Welcome to Africa” programme

The new international university project “Integrated Watershed Man-

agement Research and Development Capacity Building” is designed

as an interdisciplinary research, development, and capacity building

project, managed by Freie Universität Berlin (Germany), Prof. Dr. B.

Schütt in cooperation with Kenyatta University (Kenya), University of

Cape Town (South Africa), University of Yaoundé (Cameroon),

United Nations University (Germany) and consultancy IWM Expert

from Germany.

Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) is now a widely acknow-

ledged concept to sustainably manage human and natural resources

of a watershed for the benefit of the local population. However, man-

agement and development competencies in the sector of IWM are

often lacking and watersheds facing various severe challenges.

This project aims at enhancing collaborative research, education and

development capacities among German, Kenyan, Cameroonian and

South African partners and practitioners in the field of IWM. In each

partner country one watershed will be identified as a “living labora-

tory”. The term is used to describe catchment areas of less than

70km2 where IWM stakeholder groups meet regularly for research

activities, discussion and knowledge transfer: scientists (junior and

senior), practitioners from institutions and locals.

The three stakeholder groups will jointly identify challenges the local

population is facing and draft solution and management options to

solve these problems.

Management options shall be levelled to vi-

able options for the local communities. Six

Master students and one PhD student from

Germany as well as young researchers

from Africa are to be involved in the project

activities. Apart from the activities on the

ground, tailored educational components will

be developed to the needs of different stake-

holder groups involved in IWM in the respec-

tive countries. These as well as the results

of the field research will be provided in an

interactive e-Learning environment.

Anette Stumptner

We warmly congratulate the following 29 In-Country academics from Kenya:

Masters: Evelyne Wairimu Njuguna, Victor Omondi Kagot, Lydia Kwamboka Asande, Margaret Wanjiku Murage (UoN);

Nyanchoka Lydia Mochere, Silas Kiprono Sanga (KU); Esther Nasidai Sanewu, Macben Makenzie, Peter Nyongesah

Obimo (JKUAT); Felishana Jepkosgei Cherop, Verah Bosibori Kengere, Geoffrey Nyakundi Masankwa (Moi U); Paul

Mboya Kosiyo, Joshua Onyango Koduka, Mary Wanjiku Karigu (Maseno U); Abass Tawana Adan, Dennis Ondieki

Omayio (MMUST); Lillian Awuor Otieno (Egerton U); John Mburu Ngugi (Kimathi University College of Technology);

Lydia Awuor Ogonda (KPUC); Consolata Mutheu Wambua (Marist Int. U)

PhD: Joshua Wafula Aleri, Tom Ong’uti Osebe (UoN); Ambrose Wahome Ndegwa (KU); Johnstone Omukhulu Neondo

(JKUAT); Oscar Incasia Ayuyu (Egerton U); Simon Nyaga Mwendia (KCA U); Naomi Boke Rioba (Kabianga UC);

Stanlaus Kiilu Musyoki (Mt. Kenya U)

Eight more Kenyan PhD scholarship holders on their way to Germany

In May, the Kenyan National Council of Science and Technology (NCST) together with DAAD selected eight University

staff members who aspire to gain a PhD from a German university. They will be awarded scholarships from the joint pro-

gramme between the Government of Kenya and DAAD that offers 20 PhD scholarships annually to teaching staff from

both public and private universities.

The new scholarship awardees have started their journey with a German language course at the Goethe-Institute Nai-

robi in September. They will proceed to Germany in November to continue learning German. They will start their various

research projects in April 2013.

The new scholars are Noah Kerandi (SEUCO), Mercy Mwaniki, Jackson Njiri (JKUAT), Wycliffe Masanta (Maseno

U), Eric Jobunga (Mombasa Poly UC), Bilha Chepchirchir, Kipkemoi Changwony (Chepkoilel UC), Justus Chi-

moni (Pwani UC) and Benard Oyayo (KU).

We wish our new scholars for this exciting experience a lot of energy, an open mind and valuable memories!

A meeting of the Water Service Board and other stake holders

page 3

newsletter 4│2012

PhD scholarship applications to

Germany from Su-danese applicants

ATTENTION!

Due to the partial destruction

of the German Embassy in

Khartoum, scholarship appli-

cations can now be handed

over to Ms. Suzan Elgadi

from 8 October to 15 Octo-

ber (except Thursday) at the

Goethe-Institut Khartoum,

Sharia Al Mek Nimr.

Please make sure you submit

complete documents. DAAD

cannot consider incomplete

applications!

Science and Engi-

neering internships

in Africa

wanted

by German BSc.

students

In order to establish long-term

ties to German institutions of

Higher Education and to nur-

ture future successful scientific

collaborations, African univer-

sities and research institutes

are encouraged to offer intern-

ship opportunities to Ger-

man Bachelor students

during the European summer

months 2013 by submitting

project offers on

www.daad.de/rise-programs

(open for offers between Octo-

ber 8 and November 25, 2012)

The students with academic

training in the fields of

biology, chemistry, physics,

earth sciences, engineering,

or a closely related field

receive a DAAD scholarship to

help cover living expenses and

travel costs.

For further information please

visit the DAAD website

Kenya introduces ranking system for universities:

DAAD and CHE organize first stakeholder meeting

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of

Higher Education, Science and Technology

Crispus Kiamba concluded at the end of the

meeting: “You want the German model, sub-

ject-related, multi-dimensional, without

League Table. The ministry supports the idea

and our Commission for Higher Education will

implement the initiative. We shall invite CHE

Germany and the team of Frank Ziegele to

get the initiative going.” Later he invited the

attending representatives of business and

media to join and come up with an independ-

ent implementing body. During the reception

at the German Embassy afterwards, the influ-

ential Chandaria Foundation and the Nation

Media Group expressed interest in the rank-

ing initiative.

More than 60 top representatives of Kenyan

universities participated in the forum, joined

by members of parents’ associations, the Pri-

vate Sector Alliance and the National Council

for Science and Technology (NCST). Prof.

Frank Ziegele, Director of the German Cen-

trum for Higher Education (CHE) of the

Bertelsmann Foundation and HRK, had intro-

duced the subject-related ranking of CHE and

ZEIT newspaper which can be found on the

DAAD website. The forum was to make sure

that a ranking without a differentiation accord-

ing to subjects would be implemented by the

ministry in a top-down approach.

The idea was conceived during a VIP trip to

Germany of the most influential stakeholders

of the Kenyan science system at the end of

May as part of the DIES programme of DAAD

and HRK.

BENCHMARK STANDARDS

IN BUSINESS STUDIES DE-

VELOPED IN TANZANIA

East Africa edged closer to having regional

benchmark standards in the field of Business

Studies after the conclusion of the 2nd Re-

gional Workshop/Roundtable Forum on the De-

velopment of Benchmark Standards in Busi-

ness Studies held from the 27th to the 29

th of

August 2012. The workshop brought to-

gether a group of more than 30 academics,

representatives of national regulatory agen-

cies, professionals, employers and experts

in business studies related fields from the

EAC partner states who were joined by in-

vited experts from Europe.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Prof

Mayunga Nkunya, the Executive Secretary of

the Inter-University Council of East Africa, ex-

horted the participants to exercise diligence as

the outcome of the process would lay a founda-

tion for future benchmarking in other fields of

study such as IT which is the next scheduled

field of focus. The participants did not disap-

point. They went through the draft developed

in Arusha in December 2011 with a fine tooth

comb. While the academics and professional

bodies emphasised subject specific content,

the employers underlined the importance of

ensuring that graduates of Business Studies

programs acquire the correct attitude, effec-

tive communication skills, and a capacity for

lifelong learning.

By the end of the meeting the round table

forum made concrete recommendations for

inclusion in the final document. The recom-

mendations touch on the nomenclature for

the Business Studies’ programs, subject spe-

cific and generic learning outcomes, and sug-

gested areas of specialisation. The meeting

mandated the IUCEA and DAAD, the support-

ing partners, to contract an expert to draft the

final document and appoint an editorial team

to finalise it before circulation to universities

and regional regulatory agencies for consid-

eration, adoption and implementation during

peer reviews and accreditation. It is antici-

pated that the process will be completed by

December.

Mike Kuria

Participants of the Ranking Workshop celebrate the milestone in the Kenyan Higher Education System.

page 4

newsletter 4│2012

New DAAD lecturer at University of Nairobi

My name is Dr. Shaban Mayanja. I am pleased to inform you that I have

been deployed as the new DAAD lecturer at the University of Nairobi. My

deployment takes effect in October this year.

I studied German at Makerere University in Uganda, at the University of

Saarland in Saarbrücken, and the Leibniz Universität Hannover, where I

completed my Ph.D. in German Studies in 1999. I taught German and

Translation Studies at the University of Hanover, Bayreuth and Vienna, and

was the DAAD lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria (2007

to 2010), where I established a Graduate Programme in German Studies.

I am very interested in sharing with you my experiences in Germany and

learning from you as well. I look forward to working closely with my col-

leagues at the University of Nairobi in order to boost German Studies, and

to contribute to the DAAD funded Masters Programme in German Studies

by making it more sustainable and competitive with a regional outlook.

Keen to teach German studies students at the

University of Nairobi: Dr. Shaban Mayanja.

New Kulturweit intern at the DAAD Regional Office

My name is Corinna Kirchner and I am 24 years old. I

come from a small village in Germany with about 2000

inhabitants somewhere between Hanover and Os-

nabrueck. After high school I studied Psychology at the

University of Bremen. Just before travelling to Kenya, I

completed a Master of Science program in Psychology at

the Technical University Braunschweig.

Studying has been a really great time for me. What I liked

most about studying Psychology was the fact that I was

always in touch with a lot of people with different values,

hopes and dreams. It is quite interesting how people ma-

ture while aiming to reach their personal goals. I believe

that a scholarship abroad could be one option to develop

someone’s personality. That is why I am happy about

being a part of the DAAD Nairobi team as a volunteer of

a German exchange program called KULTURWEIT. The

aim of the program is to give young Germans the oppor-

tunity to gain work experience in German organizations

operating all over the world.

I was pretty happy to get the chance to come to Nairobi. I

have never been to Kenya or Africa before, but I always

wanted to meet the people and see the beautiful land-

scape. It is exciting to be in a country which is - in some

parts - completely different from what I am familiar with.

My internship is a great chance to gain new experiences

and get more open-minded. So besides working for

DAAD, I am looking forward to meet you and visit a lot of

interesting places.

Corinna has quickly learnt her way

around Nairobi and is now a busy

contributor for the publication for the

40th anniversary of the Regional

Office for Africa in Nairobi, to be

published next year.

Strong Kenyan partners for research collaboration in cultural and social anthropology

The department of Cultural and Social Anthropology at University of Cologne, Germany, has a long standing

research tradition in Africa and is involved in ongoing research projects in Kenya.

Currently, we are looking for strong academic partners for future research on the following topics: human-environmental

interaction, migration and rural-urban relations, agricultural change and food security, peace and security, transforma-

tion of pastoralism.

We are looking for researchers, postdocs and professors, preferably with a background in Cultural/ Social Anthropology

or related disciplines. They should be based at or affiliated with Kenyan Universities and have a good publication record

in one or more of the above listed topics.

For more information please check our website and contact Dr. Clemens Greiner, via: clemens.greiner@uni-koeln.de

page 5

newsletter 4│2012

Wanted:

technological

solutions to tackle

basic supply needs

With the “empowering people.

Award”, the Siemens Stiftung

would like to identify efficient

technical solutions which

empower people in developing

and emerging countries to

independently combat

existential problems in basic

supply.

Inventors and developers from

all regions worldwide are invited

to enter simple and appropriate

technical products and solutions

in the categories Water &

Waste Water, Energy, Waste

Management & Recycling,

Health, Food & Agriculture,

Housing & Construction, and

Information & Communication

Technology.

Entries are to be made online

on the project website

Creativity is of the essence: The

competition calls for inventions,

for example, innovations that

create power for the operation

of single machines or the supply

of energy in homes, filter sys-

tems for water supply, e-health

solutions or technologies for

composting or recycling.

The main requirement here is

that the solutions or products

can be implemented with the

resources in the areas them-

selves. The entries will be

professionally evaluated and an

international jury will select

winners.

Deadline: 31st Dec 2012

REAL conference as-sesses progress of the network in the region

During the conference of the Regional East-

ern Africa DIES Alumni Network (REAL) titled

“Networking for Higher Education” at Ken-

yatta University from 17th to 22

nd of Septem-

ber, more than 50 participants exchanged

views on how to improve the Quality Assur-

ance in Higher Education institutions in East-

ern Africa and Malawi. Apart from high rank-

ing professors from universities in the region,

German guests from the University of Applied

Sciences Osnabrück, Technical University

Dortmund and University of Oldenburg en-

riched the conference with their knowledge.

The DIES Alumni exchanged their experi-

ences of national training activities in their

universities. In Kenya and Ethiopia the REAL

group organized trainings on the Personal

Action Plan (PAP), a mechanism that ensures

that members of a team are informed about

their personal responsibilities and their sched-

ules after team meetings.

In addition, the participants of the conference

discussed the potential contribution of higher

education to local development in their re-

spective countries. Prof. Elisabeth Wacker of

Technical University Dortmund elaborated on

the close connection between the develop-

ment of Dortmund as a city with its innovative

ideas focusing on Information Technology

and the university which designs curricula to

trigger innovations in this sector.

Finally, Prof. Dr. Gabriel Katana who served

as the regional coordinator of REAL activities

in Kenya for the last six years, handed over

his position to Prof. Dr. Hamadi Boga, Princi-

pal of Taita Taveta University College.

Prof. Michael Fremerey (University of Kassel), Christoph

Hansert (DAAD Nairobi), Prof. Gabriel Katana and Dr.

Florence Nyamu (Taita Taveta UC) during the conference

DAAD Regional Director for Africa, Christoph Hansert, chats

with the German Ambassador, Ms. Margit Hellwig-Bötte, during

the cocktail held at the Ambassador‘s residence for the

conference participants.