Kaimosi Friends University has joined leading policymakers, researchers, development partners, private sector players and academic institutions at the 9th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference currently underway in Mombasa under the theme “Strengthening Value Chains for Inclusive Growth in Kenya.”

Dr. Margaret Atieno, Dean of the School of Business and Economics, poses for a photo with members of the KAFU delegation during the 9^th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference in Mombasa.

The KAFU delegation is led by Dr. Margaret Atieno, Dean of the School of Business and Economics and Dr. Nixon Sangili, Dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences. The team comprises members of staff and students drawn from various academic disciplines, reflecting the University’s growing commitment to research, policy engagement and experiential learning beyond the classroom.

The three-day conference was officially opened by Principal Secretary for Children Welfare Services CPA Carren Ageng’o in the presence of Principal Secretary for Economic Planning Dr. Bonface Makokha, KIPPRA Board Chair Prof. Paul Wachana, KIPPRA Executive Director Dr. Eldah Onsomu, Board Members and other distinguished stakeholders from across the region.

During the opening session, two key reports were launched: Children First: Smarter Budgets, Fairer Futures – Kenya County Budget Briefs (FY2019–FY2023) and Climate Finance: Its Implications for Children in Kenya. The reports underscore the importance of child-focused budgeting, climate-responsive financing and sustainable policy frameworks in advancing inclusive national development.

KAFU delegation led by Dr. Margaret Atieno and Dr. Sangili poses for a group photo during the 9^th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference in Mombasa themed “Strengthening Value Chains for Inclusive Growth in Kenya.”

The conference has brought together diverse stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening industrial and agricultural value chains, enhancing productivity, promoting industrialization and expanding opportunities for inclusive economic participation. Discussions are also focusing on innovative approaches to addressing unemployment, poverty, inequality and climate vulnerabilities while positioning Kenya competitively within regional and global markets.

KAFU’s participation provides an important opportunity for staff and students to engage with current policy discussions, research trends and industry perspectives shaping Kenya’s socio-economic transformation agenda. The engagement also aligns with the University’s vision of nurturing research-driven solutions, strengthening academia-industry linkages and preparing students to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.

Dr. Margaret Atieno, Dean of the School of Business and Economics, poses for a photo with members of the KAFU delegation during the 9th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference in Mombasa.

Speaking during the engagements, members of the KAFU delegation noted that participation in such high-level conferences enriches academic exposure, promotes collaborative research opportunities and strengthens the University’s role in informing evidence-based policy and sustainable development conversations.