On 15th September 2026, the University of Embu, through the Research Chair in Mathematics Education, officially onboarded the recipients of the HERI Africa Foundational Numeracy Scholarships. The scholars have been admitted across the Departments of Education, Humanities, Computing and Information Technology, Mathematics and Statistics, and Economics
During the orientation, the Research Chair, Dr. Simon Karuku, articulated the scholarship’s expectations, terms and conditions, and the postgraduate regulations governing the scholars’ studies. He outlined the program’s expected impact and the conditions under which a scholarship could be terminated, and read through the rules and regulations guiding the program. Key emphasis was placed on research ethics, timely progress reporting, conference support opportunities, and the requirement to publish in high-impact journals as a core measure of the program’s impact. Scholars were encouraged to align their research with foundational numeracy, make the most of their study time, and communicate any challenges early for proper mentorship and support.
Dr. Karuku assured scholars of continuous mentorship and monitoring throughout the program, and a question-and-answer session followed, during which he addressed queries on matters such as work leave, full-time presence requirements, and study mode expectations.
A central message in Dr. Karuku’s address was that research must go beyond publications; it must create knowledge that improves lives, informs policy, and transforms mathematics education.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Ciriaka Gitonga emphasized HERI Africa’s broader mission of advancing research that drives real impact in early-grade numeracy across Africa. She introduced participants to HERI Africa as a research organization dedicated to impact-driven education research and outlined the program’s broader structure, including its various research chairs and focus areas. She challenged the scholars to look beyond research for its own sake, and instead pursue research of shaping education policy, with a clear focus on the specific policy questions their work will address.
The onboarding was also attended by Heads of Departments (CoDs), including Dr. Peter Rugano, Dr. Lilian Omoke, Dr. Moses Mwito, Dr. Edwine Atitwa, and Dr. Faith Mueni, who welcomed the scholars into their respective departments and outlined what is expected of them throughout their academic journey.
The University of Embu is proud to welcome this cohort of scholars and looks forward to the impact their research will make in strengthening foundational numeracy education across the continent.
