KARATINA UNIVERSITY HOSTS GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CARNEGIE AFRICAN DIASPORA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Karatina University, through the School of Business’s Human Resource Development Department, in partnership with the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship, successfully hosted a Grant Writing Workshop under the theme:
“Strengthening Research Capacity, Grant Writing, and Scholarly Productivity.” The workshop was held on 20th November 2025 at the University’s Senate Chambers bringing together participants from universities across the country. These were:  Strathmore University, Murang’a University of Technology, Kenyatta University, Chuka University, University of Embu, Alupe university and Tharaka University among others.

Prof. Lusike Mukhongo addressing the audience on the grant writing processes.

This workshop was as a result of Prof.Juliet Macharia and Prof.Lusike Mukhongo entering the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship programme competition that sort to find institutions in Africa that could   host African scholars who are in Diaspora (Canada and USA). Prof. Macharia won the host part while Prof.Mukhongo won the Carnegie fellowship. The workshop was one among other activities that Karatina University and CADFP had planned to take place in 2025.

A section of the participants keenly following through the presentations

Speaking during the workshop, the Dean, School of Business, Dr. Miano Kabethi, appreciated the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship for supporting the initiative. He urged participants to continuously learn and relearn as part of their professional growth. He officially opened the workshop on behalf of the University Management.

The host, Prof. Juliet Macharia, thanked the University Management for the opportunity to run the programme and provided a brief background on its significance and objectives. The workshop was primarily facilitated by Prof. Lynete Lusike Mukhongo, a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow from Western Michigan University. Her expertise and engaging delivery offered participants invaluable insights into successful grant writing and research productivity. Karatina University Professors, Prof. Juliet Macharia and Prof. Kellen Kiambati, the other resource persons guided participants through practical, hands-on sessions aimed at sharpening grant proposal-writing skills.

Participants were taken through the full grant-writing process, including:

• The Grant Writing Foundation – understanding the funding landscape and developing fundable proposals.
• Crafting a Core Narrative – developing clear problem statements, robust methodologies, and strong impact narratives.
• Budgets, Ethics, and Bio-Data – guidance on budgeting, CV preparation, and sustainability planning.
• Collaborative Writing Sprint – peer review and co-creation of proposals.
• From Draft to Submission – insights into submission processes, networks, and partnership building.

Participants also took part in group activities throughout the grant-writing process and were able to begin drafting their proposals under Prof. Mukhongo, Prof. Macharia and Prof. Kiambati’s guidance.

Groups activity-deconstructing a call for proposals.

The workshop not only strengthened participants’ capacity to craft competitive grant proposals but also fostered collaboration, peer learning, and strategic thinking in research. Karatina University remains committed to cultivating a research-driven academic environment that advances innovation, scholarship, and societal impact.

The participants pose for a group photo during the workshop

The members of the Human Resource Development pose for a photo after the successful workshop