Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi at Konza City during the second graduation ceremony of the Open University of Kenya (OUK) on November 28, 2025. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has called for a significant rise in Kenya’s investment in research, urging both the national and county governments to allocate no less than 10 percent of their budgets to research and development.
Speaking Friday at Konza City during the second graduation ceremony of the Open University of Kenya (OUK), Mwangangi said the country cannot achieve meaningful transformation without adequate funding for research that drives innovation and practical solutions.
He noted that while counties spend millions sponsoring students in various institutions, the same support should be extended to county employees to improve efficiency in public service delivery.
“Open University of Kenya needs to work with the Council of Governors and the Ministry of Education so that the resources we use to sponsor students can also support county employees. A well-skilled workforce is critical for efficient service delivery,” he said.
Mwangangi lamented that although many institutions and students undertake research, their work often ends up unimplemented due to poor financing. He warned that Kenya risks stagnation if it does not deliberately invest in knowledge generation to solve present and future challenges.
“If we are to transform faster as a country, we must increase funding for research. I am proposing an allocation of not less than 10 percent so that all sectors are well researched and we get solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow,” he added.
On her part, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili urged residents of Makueni, Machakos and Kitui counties to take advantage of the flexible learning model offered by the Open University of Kenya, which allows students to study while working.
Mulili said she was impressed by the quality of learning at OUK, noting the presence of top leaders—including the Cabinet Secretary for Education and the University Chancellor Dr. James Mwangi—was proof of the institution’s credibility.
“I want to appeal to the people of Makueni to register and study here. This is a serious university offering quality education that one can pursue even while working,” she said.
Mulili challenged residents of the Lower Eastern region to enroll in larger numbers, pointing out that very few graduates in Friday's cohort came from Makueni and Machakos counties.
The graduation ceremony marked a major milestone for OUK, Kenya’s first fully digital university, which is expected to play a central role in expanding access to higher education and upskilling the country’s workforce.
