The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has received the 6th cohort of scholars who will undertake their doctoral training and research in various high impact sectors key for regional growth.
The cohort 6 which is being funded by the Government of Kenya to the tune of Ksh 258 million ($2m) through the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) targets to bridge gaps in skills and knowledge necessary for sustained economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa.
“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 make in the lives people and communities you come from,” said James Muchiri, Ministry of Education representative at PASET Executive Board.
Cohort 6 scholars who have been selected from various universities comprises of 21 scholars, out of which 16 are Kenyans and 4 are from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Tanzania.
Kenya as a financier of the new cohort has been allocate 80pc of the slots with the remaining 20pc going to other countries as per the PASET 80/20 rule.
“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 that this programme is successful,” said Ruth Charo, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank Task Team Leader for the Rsif project.
The 21 scholars were selected out of at least 810 applications received. Of those selected, 8 are women, highlighting the importance of gender considerations in STEM.
“You are the next generation of thought leaders, problem-solvers, and changemakers. The knowledge and expertise you will gain through this program will not only advance your careers but also contribute to the socio-economic transformation of Africa,” added Prof Aminata Sall Diallo, the Chair of the PASET Executive Board.
Established in 2015, Rsif focuses on transformative technologies with far-reaching societal impacts, including ICTs, food security, minerals and mining, energy, and climate change.
Since 2018, Rsif has supported 302 Doctor of Philosophy students out of which 45 have so far graduated, and returned to their home countries.
“Rsif is prestigious PhD scholarship programme in both its form and content in Africa, and is highly competitive” said Dr Julius Ecuru, Rsif RCU Manager at icipe
Rsif has grown to become one of the largest academic and research networks in Africa, with more than 450 active scientists, including the scholars.
The fund is supported by Kenya, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, the World Bank and the Government of Korea.
