KENET successfully held a joint Special Interest Group Forum for the 2022/2023 and the 2023/2024 cohort of grantees in Nairobi on May 9-10, 2024. The grantees were from the different SIG areas which include Engineering, Computational Modelling and Material Science (CMMS), Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) and Educational Technologies (Edtech). The event provided a platform for insightful discussions, collaborative exchanges, and hands-on demonstrations aimed at advancing research excellence and fostering impactful collaborations within the academic community informing the grant priority areas. The One and a half-day in-person event was attended by grant awardees drawn from the four (4) SIG areas, Expert proposal reviewers, Research associates, Deans of Departments for Current Awardees, and industry partners with over 85 participants.

KENET Special Interest Group forum attendees

Speaking at the opening session of the forum, Prof. Meoli Kashorda, Executive Director of KENET, provided a comprehensive overview of research engagement at KENET from 2016 to 2024, highlighting the organization's commitment to fostering a vibrant research ecosystem.Panel discussions on the KENET SIG research funding priorities and selection process for research proposals and enhancing research environments for faculty and graduate students in SIG areas provided valuable insights on emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving research excellence.Through the breakout group discussion held, the grantees gained more insight on the research project preparedness and grant management, research computing facilities available on the KENET cloud or through, potential for local and international collaborations, and future research funding opportunities. These interactive sessions facilitated meaningful exchanges and laid the groundwork for future collaborations and innovations.

The KENET research services team demonstrated the KENET Virtual Lab (VLab), a research cloud platform that provides FREE research computing and storage services with software appliances for different research groups engaging participants in hands-on exercises.Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, keynote addresses, and breakout group discussions, exploring topics such as research computing services, funding STEM research, and preparing grantee research projects for success.The forum served as a catalyst for fostering innovation and strengthening collaborative networks within Kenya's academic community as participants benefitted not only new knowledge and insights gained but also a shared commitment to driving positive change through research and education.