Africa Research and Impact Network Engages UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology for Collaborative Partnership

UKCEH and ARIN teams during the visit to ARIN’s Kenya offices

By: Eurallyah Akinyi, Humphrey Agevi, Florence Onyango

The Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN) recently participated in a seminar organized and co-led by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) and various Kenyan scientific institutions. Themed Environmental Science for Climate Resilience, the seminar took place on October 9, 2024, and brought together representatives from the science and policy communities to exchange insights and discuss innovative environmental solutions aimed at strengthening climate resilience through collaborative efforts.

This seminar was part of a broader UKCEH delegation visit to Kenya from October 7-11, 2024, aimed at reinforcing long-standing partnerships in climate, biodiversity, and water management. The visit highlighted the importance of scientific collaborations with Kenyan research and scientific organizations and intergovernmental agencies in East Africa while showcasing UK science initiatives, including the UKRI-funded National Capability International (NC-I) programme.

The ARIN delegation was led by their Executive Director Dr. Joanes Atela, together with Akinyi J. Eurallyah, a Research Associate and Program Manager for the ARIN Science-Policy Fellowship Program, and Dr. Humphrey Agevi, Research Associate for Climate Change and Development. The seminar attracted over 50 participants from 20 organizations, including renowned research institutions and private sector entities across Kenya, such as the University of Nairobi, National Museums of Kenya, and Conservation International.

Key topics discussed during the seminar included enhancing the understanding of global biodiversity through citizen science, which was presented by Professor Helen Roy (UKCEH) and Mr. Anthony Kuria (Tropical Biology Association). Protection and utilization of forest genetic resources in East Africa was covered by Dr. Stephen Cavers (UKCEH), Dr. David Odee (Visiting Scientist at UKCEH), Dr. Emmanuel Makatiani (Kenya Forestry Research Institute), and Professor Jacinta Kimiti (South Eastern Kenya University). The sustainable management of Kenya’s freshwater systems was addressed by Dr. Linda May (UKCEH) and Dr. Venny Mwainge Mziri (Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute), while Dr. Eleanor Blyth (UKCEH) and Ms. Jemimah Gacheru Ongoma (Kenya Meteorological Department) discussed the advancement of the science of land-atmosphere interactions to improve weather predictability.

During the seminar, Dr. Atela emphasized the importance of integrating policy recommendations into research approaches to generate informed and actionable evidence.

The UKCEH team also conducted 13 bilateral meetings during their visit with various organizations, including UNEP, UNESCO, and the African Development Bank, to discuss ongoing scientific initiatives like the JULES model and the WMO HydroSOS initiative. Additionally, the visit saw the renewal of three Memoranda of Understanding with key collaborators: Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), and South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU).

Following the seminar, the UKCEH team engaged with ARIN to explore potential collaboration areas. This team was led by Professor Harry Dixon, UKCEH’s Associate Director of International Research and Development, who highlighted the significance of enduring scientific collaborations across borders in producing robust research outcomes and enhancing the capacity of participating nations to address environmental challenges. During this meeting, ARIN showcased its flagship initiatives, including the Africa-led Adaptation Community of Practice, the Africa Policy Fellowship Programme, and Evidence Synthesis and Translation. The discussions culminated in an agreement to focus on key areas of engagement, particularly in capacity building and policy collaboration.