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The office of Research, Innovation and Community Engagement (RICE) at Africa International University (AIU) serves as a dynamic engine driving the university’s vision for societal transformation through Christ-centred, research-informed scholarship and stakeholder engagement. RICE coordinates and advances AIU’s research agenda, promotes innovation, and fosters meaningful community engagement initiatives that contribute to sustainable development and national transformation.

With a commitment to excellence, ethical inquiry, and impact-driven collaboration, RICE ensures that all research, innovation, and outreach activities are aligned with both national development frameworks, such as Kenya Vision 2030 and the Big Four Agenda, and global imperatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through interdisciplinary partnerships and strategic collaborations, RICE works to position AIU as a hub of knowledge creation, policy influence, and practical solutions for real-world challenges.

By integrating inquiry, creativity, and service, the Office of RICE strives to produce knowledge that not only advances academic excellence but also translates into tangible benefits for society, especially within underserved and vulnerable communities. In doing so, RICE champions AIU’s mission of cultivating leaders who are Committed to His Mission, Connected to His World.

RICE is particularly devoted to:

  • Enhancing the quantity and quality of research output and innovation by fostering a research culture that encourages discovery, experimentation, and solution-oriented thinking;
  • Building institutional research capacity by equipping faculty, staff, and students with the tools, resources, and training necessary for effective scholarly and community-driven engagement;
  • Expanding strategic partnerships with academic institutions, industry, government, and civil society across Kenya, Africa, and globally, to amplify the reach and relevance of AIU’s contributions;
  • Increasing access to research funding and resources, and offering comprehensive support to secure grants, manage research projects, and ensure accountability and impact;
  • Elevating AIU’s reputation as a thought leader in applied research, responsible innovation, and transformative community engagement rooted in biblical values.

RICE KEY FOCUS AREAS

The office of Research, Innovation and Community Engagement (RICE) is strategically guided by a set of focus areas that reflect Africa International University’s commitment to producing knowledge that transforms individuals, communities, and nations. These areas are designed to foster scholarly excellence, catalyze innovative thinking, and promote the university’s active role in societal development through collaborative research and public engagement.

1.Thematic Research Priorities

RICE advances research initiatives that are aligned with AIU’s mission and address urgent global and local concerns. Key thematic areas include:

  • Environmental  impacts on the health of vulnerable populations– addressing health disparities, maternal and child health, mental wellness, and health systems strengthening through evidence-based research;
  • Technology and Innovation – investigating emerging technologies, digital transformation, and creative solutions to improve education, service delivery, and livelihoods;
  • Social Justice and Governance – promoting research on equity, human rights, peacebuilding, policy development, and governance reform;
  • Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment – encouraging innovation and small-scale enterprise development to stimulate economic resilience in marginalized communities.

2.Community-Engaged Research and Knowledge Co-Creation

RICE champions a participatory approach to research that places communities at the center of inquiry. By partnering with local, regional, and global stakeholders—including churches, NGOs, industries, and grassroots organizations, the division promotes co-created knowledge that responds to real-world needs. These initiatives prioritize:

  • Applied research with measurable community benefits;
  • Programs that empower communities to participate in research and implementation;
  • Engagement models that bridge academic knowledge with local wisdom and practice.

3.Interdisciplinary and Cross-Sector Collaboration

Recognizing that complex societal challenges require multi-faceted solutions, RICE encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across AIU’s schools and departments. Faculty and students are supported to work across traditional academic boundaries, integrating insight in social sciences, health, education, business, and development scholarship. Additionally, partnerships with external sectors, such as government and private enterprise, foster innovation ecosystems and technology transfer.

4.Research Dissemination andVisibility

To maximize the impact of scholarly work, RICE supports robust dissemination strategies that promote visibility and accessibility. These include:

  • Academic publications in peer-reviewed journals and books;
  • Knowledge-sharing platforms such as conferences, seminars, webinars, and public forums;
  • Development of policy briefs, media articles, and community-friendly content for non-academic audiences.

COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

1

The Hearth Research Project

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2

Eastern and Southern African Regional Hub for Research and Policy on Climate Change and Health Funded by International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

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