DAAD Supports Capacity Building for Sustainable Higher Education Leadership in Kenya through DIES Training at Chuka University

The three-day capacity-building workshop was designed to strengthen the ability of academic leaders to integrate sustainability into institutional policies, teaching, research, and operations. It aligned with national and global frameworks, including Kenya Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while emphasizing the development of digital competencies and innovative approaches to institutional transformation.

The opening session was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Henry Mutembei, with participation from Margaret Kirai, Deputy Director at the DAAD Regional Office in Nairobi. In his remarks, Prof. Mutembei encouraged the 20 participants drawn from 16 universities to embrace sustainable leadership by optimizing resources, fostering innovation, and strengthening institutional networks to maximize impact across the higher education sector. He highlighted the critical role of universities in modeling responsible governance and embedding sustainability across their core functions.

Through the DIES programme, DAAD seeks to empower academic leaders with evidence-based knowledge, practical tools, and collaborative strategies to advance sustainability within their institutions. The training places particular emphasis on informed decision-making, the effective use of digital technologies, and the development of actionable sustainability initiatives.