30 Researchers Transformed at the Inaugural Theory of Change Workshop
In keeping in line with its own Theory of Change, the Kenya Science Translation Hub delivered its inaugural capacity-building workshop to 30 early-career researchers from partner universities. This is the first of the courses that the hub has planned to deliver. The Theory of Change (ToC) workshop was held on 7th -10th April, 2026 at Chak Guest House.
The intense training saw early career researchers from different fields of study paired up to work in groups, understand the step-by-step procedures of developing the theory of change for different case studies. The participants were tested on their establishment of objectives/ goals of the case study topics that they chose to work on, align the different audiences and how long-term and short-term impacts of their projects will affect the different audiences. The stakeholder mapping, the change statements and at the end of the week , each researcher walked out transformed.
Networking, brainstorming, group presentations and discussions characterized the week-long learning.
During the closing ceremony and presentation of certificates, the Kenya Hub leader, Prof. Cecilia Moraa Onyango, encouraged the researchers to draw the theory of change in every project that they engage in going forward and to consider being part of training other researchers in their universities.
When asked what their expectations were, most participants struggled to define or place the Theory of Change; was it a theoretical framework? Conceptual framework? A theory? Change for who?
It was interesting to see their expectations met as they learned and engaged throughout the week. See some of the participants’ reviews.
Other courses that the hub has lined up are the; ‘Research to impact’ and ‘Systematic Reviews’.
The Kenya Science Translation hub is under the AgriFose 2030 project that has been implemented by the University of Nairobi, Maseno and Embu Universities for the past 8 years. The hub fosters a culture and behaviour change of researchers from the initial to translate science to action even as they conduct their research.
