Strengthening UKCEH partnerships in East Africa

A delegation from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) visited Kenya last week (7-11 October) to grow long-standing relationships in the country around climate, biodiversity and water.

The aim of the visit was to strengthen our scientific collaborations with Kenyan research and scientific organisations and intergovernmental /multilateral agencies based in East Africa, and showcase UK science, including the UKRI-funded National Capability International (NC-I) programme, to key audiences.

A workshop on collaborative environmental science for climate resilience was co-organised by UKCEH with the British High Commission’s Science and Innovation Network. The event brought together more than 50 representatives from 20 organisations including research institutions and private sector across Kenya such as the University of Nairobi, National Museums of Kenya, African Research and Impact Network, Conservation International, Kenyatta University, the Tropical Biology Association, Tony Wild Foundation, University of Eldoret, Technical University of Kenya, ICIPE, JOOUST, Change for Planet Foundation, Karatina University, amongst many others.

The workshop explored areas of existing collaborations between UKCEH scientists and Kenyan organisations. Presentations included:

• Enhancing understanding of global biodiversity using citizen science by Professor Helen Roy (UKCEH) and Mr Anthony Kuria (Tropical Biology Association).
• Protection and Use of Forest Genetic Resources in East Africa by Dr Stephen Cavers (UKCEH), Dr David Odee (Visiting Scientist at UKCEH), Dr Emmanuel Makatiani (Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), and Prof Jacinta Kimiti (South Eastern Kenya University). 
• Using scientific evidence to support the sustainable management and use of Kenyan freshwater systems by Dr Linda May (UKCEH) and Dr Venny Mwainge Mziri (Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute).
• Advancing the science of land-atmosphere interactions and its role in predictability of weather systems by Dr Eleanor Blyth (UKCEH) and Ms Jemimah Gacheru Ongoma, (Kenya Meteorological Department).

Thirteen bilateral meetings were held during the week, including those with UNEP, UNESCO, NACOSTI, African Research and Impact Network and the African Development Bank, amongst others. These provided the opportunity to discuss other areas of UKCEH science including the JULES model and WMO HydroSOS initiative, as well as discussing topics such as biodiversity and hydrology, exploring areas for future partnerships and collaboration.

The visit also saw the renewal of three Memoranda of Understanding with long-standing collaborators: Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU). Speaking at a reception for environmental science leaders hosted at the British High Commissioner's residence UKCEH Associate Director of International Research and Development, Professor Harry Dixon, said, “Such enduring scientific collaboration across borders leads to more robust and comprehensive research outcomes, fosters innovation through diverse perspectives, and enhances the capacity of all participating nations to address environmental challenges.”

As part of a visit to the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), we planted Markhamia lutea and Osyris lanceolata trees together at their campus as a symbol of our friendship and commitment to environmental sustainability. UKCEH and KEFRI have collaborated together over the last forty years.

Fruitful meetings were also held at the UN offices in Nairobi to further strengthen existing collaborations with UNEP and UNESCO, ensuring UK science plays a key role in underpinning multilateral action around the environment. 

Dr Eleanor Blyth delivered a seminar on our latest development in hydro-climatology at the Kenya Meteorological Department. UKCEH works with a number of meteorological and hydrological services to help ensure the latest research is put into operational use. An additional seminar was delivered by Dr Blyth and Prof Helen Roy at Kenyatta University. 

Professor Harry Dixon said, “This visit has provided a great opportunity to strengthen our long-standing collaborations with Kenyan scientific research organisations and showcase UKCEH science. Working with partners, UKCEH’s interdisciplinary research is helping to provide the scientific understanding needed to inform large-scale environmental action such as Kenya’s National Tree Planting Initiative and the sustainable management of Lake Victoria.”

Related links

International science at UKCEH

National Capability for Global Challenges (NC International)