By Eddah Waithaka
The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) welcomed 21 new PhD scholars to the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) during a week-long orientation held from March 17–21 at its Duduville campus.
As the Regional Coordination Unit for Rsif, icipe prepared the scholars—the program’s sixth cohort since 2018—for their academic journey, emphasizing research excellence, timely completion, and alignment with Africa’s development priorities.
Studies show that structured orientation programs improve PhD retention rates and reduce completion timelines, making them a best practice in building STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) capacity.
Rsif: Empowering Africa’s Future Innovators
The Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) launched Rsif in 2015 as an Africa-led initiative to address critical skills gaps and spur economic growth. The program focuses on transformative technologies, including ICT, food security, energy, climate change, and minerals and mining.
African governments—Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Senegal—alongside the World Bank, the Government of Korea, and other partners, support Rsif. The initiative fosters high-quality doctoral training and research collaborations between African universities and international institutions.
Growing Impact: 302 Scholars and Counting
With the sixth cohort now onboard, Rsif has supported 302 PhD scholars since 2018, when icipe became the Regional Coordination Unit. So far, 45 scholars have graduated and returned to their home countries to contribute to research and innovation.
This latest cohort, funded by a $2 million grant from the Kenyan government, includes 16 Kenyans and 5 scholars from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania—reflecting Rsif’s 80/20 funding rule, where 80% of scholarships go to nationals of contributing countries and 20% to other African candidates.
Scholars Urged to Tackle Africa’s Pressing Challenges
Dr. Julius Ecuru, Rsif RCU Manager at icipe, commended the Kenyan government for its continued support and congratulated the scholars on their selection from over 810 applicants.
“Rsif is one of Africa’s most prestigious PhD scholarship programs, both in form and content, and competition is intense,” Dr. Ecuru said. “We are confident this cohort will uphold the program’s high standards.”
The group includes eight women, underscoring Rsif’s commitment to gender equity in STEM.
Ms. Ruth Charo, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank and Task Team Leader for Rsif, reminded scholars that their research must address real African challenges.
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“Taxpayers in contributing countries have made significant sacrifices to invest in Africa’s STEM future,” she said. “We expect impactful work that drives the continent’s prosperity.”
Mr. James Muchiri, representing Kenya’s Ministry of Education on the PASET Executive Board, urged scholars to focus on research that creates tangible value for their communities.
“We want to see your work improving lives,” he emphasized.
Prof. Aminata Sall Diallo, Chair of the PASET Executive Board, praised Kenya’s additional financing and encouraged scholars to embrace their role as Africa’s next generation of problem-solvers.
“Doctoral research demands resilience, but your work can transform societies,” she said. “Strive for excellence, seek mentorship, and push the boundaries of innovation.”
A Thriving Network for African Research
Rsif has become one of Africa’s largest academic networks, with over 450 active scientists, 15 African Host Universities, and 32 International Partner Institutions. Scholars and advisors have published more than 370 papers in high-impact journals, garnering 1,807 citations as of February 2025.
As Cohort 6 begins their studies, they join a community of Africa’s brightest minds. The challenge now lies in maintaining the determination needed to complete their PhDs and apply their knowledge to Africa’s most pressing challenges.
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