MKU RECEIVES KSH100M IN RESEARCH GRANTS
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| Prof. Victoria Wulsin, Chancellor, briefing the research and innovation adminidtrative team after the announcement of the research grant award |
The grant from Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF) totals $ 862,311. Separately, two researchers based at Thika Main Campus have also received a total of Ksh50 million from UKAid and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The TWCF funding is for the Kenya Christian and Scientific Affiliation (KCSA), which was founded at the MKU Directorate of Research and Development to bridge the dichotomy between science and religion.
“By winning this globally competitive
grant, we have stamped our authority as one of the best universities in
Africa, committed to research in various areas,” said MKU founder Dr.
Simon Gicharu who recently led a team to Britain where they met
Professor Andrew Briggs of University of Oxford, through whom the
proposal was submitted.
In explaining KCSA, Dr. Francis Muregi,
Director, R&D says, “Africa is at a three-way crossroads of culture,
religion (including Christianity) and modern education (including
science), which are often perceived by both scientists and Christians to
antagonize each other.”
Many practitioners of Christianity and
science do not view the latter as a God-given resource that can be
exploited to help humanity thrive. Some Christians are opposed to the
use of modern technology such as new crop production methods: grafting,
production of seedless plants and biotechnology. Gene engineering
technology has in some instances been entirely dismissed as playing God
since biotechnology has been reduced to attempts to clone entire
organisms. These Christians therefore discourage the study and practice
of biotechnology as a whole.
Recently in Kenya, a contentious debate on
the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) led to the ban of such
products by the government, a decision in which experts in this area
played little or no role. There is need for Christian scientists to be
engaged in healthy debates on such issues and explain the role modern
technologies, including the role that biotechnology and genetic
engineering can play in addressing the challenges of food insecurity,
health and environmental conservation. This is achievable through;
- Gathering a recognized body of Christian scientists
- Creation of forums where issues deemed controversial are deliberated and common statements issued
- Ensuring that Christian scientists receive relevant training that allow them to engage in debates on the tripartite conflicts among Christianity, science and African practices.
SOURCE: MKU
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