The students at the Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences began their semester with an experience that set the tone for the months ahead. An eye-opening workshop with visiting delegates from Japan.

Earlier in the year, they had crossed continents to Japan on their international academic trip, where they immersed themselves in a new culture, built friendships across borders, and engaged in collaborative learning that stretched their perspectives. Now, welcoming their Japanese counterparts to Strathmore was a full-circle moment, a reminder that learning knows no borders and that knowledge grows stronger when shared. The workshop was a hub of innovation and dialogue, bringing together brilliant minds from Kenya and Japan to exchange ideas, advance research, and explore new possibilities for interdisciplinary cooperation.

In attendance was Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, PhD, EBS, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, who delivered a keynote address that left the room inspired. Speaking not just as an academic, but as someone who has walked the path of research and service, he shared the milestones of his journey, from his early years as a young scholar to his leadership in academia, and his contributions both in Kenya, in Japan, and on the global stage.

“To be a researcher,” he reminded the audience, “there are no excuses. Research follows a timeline, and you must commit to it. The question is, are you bringing value? What contribution are you making to society?” His words challenged the students not only to think of research as an academic pursuit but also as a responsibility to ask the right questions, to remain disciplined, and to ensure their work carries meaning beyond the classroom. Every project, he emphasized, must be demand-driven, rooted in solving real problems that communities face. “Where are you directing your efforts? What challenges of society are you addressing?” he asked, reminding them that true research begins where human need meets intellectual curiosity.

Throughout his address, Prof. Abdulrazak underscored the importance of curiosity and perseverance, encouraging students to embrace the “5Ws and H” framework, asking why, what, where, when, who, and how, as a guiding tool for impactful inquiry.

Equally important, he stressed, is the need for ethics and accountability in the research process. These principles, deeply embedded in Strathmore University’s core values of ethics and integrity, must guide every stage of inquiry, from data collection to analysis, and ultimately, to how findings are shared and applied. “Research is not just about knowledge creation,” he emphasized, “but about responsibility, ensuring that the outcomes are credible, ethical, and of service to society.”

In closing, he challenged the students to go beyond traditional academic approaches by cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset in their research. He encouraged them to look at their projects not only as intellectual exercises but also as pathways to innovation: solutions that could be scaled to address pressing societal challenges and drive sustainable development.

Building on this message, the workshop featured insightful presentations from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and Japanese students currently pursuing advanced studies. They showcased diverse research initiatives, ranging from cutting-edge technological innovations to projects tackling social and environmental issues. For Strathmore students, these presentations were a window into how peers in Japan were transforming theory into impact. In addition, it also served as a source of inspiration, coming at a crucial moment when the students themselves were preparing to embark on their own research projects as part of the academic year. The exchange not only broadened their perspective but also offered practical insights they could carry into their upcoming work, reinforcing the value of collaboration across cultures and disciplines.

What a powerful way to begin the semester! We wish all our students the very best as they dive into their studies. May this season be filled with growth, success, and meaningful impact.

Article written by: Jemmy M. Kamau