The American Institutes for Research (AIR) has marked a significant stride in its global outreach with the inauguration of a new office in Kenya, signalling a dedicated effort towards advancing research and providing technical assistance in the East Africa region. The launch ceremony, hosted at the new office located in Westlands, Nairobi, drew a notable gathering of local and regional leaders, highlighting the pivotal role of collaboration in tackling the region's pressing challenges.

Jessica Heppen, President and CEO of AIR, underscored the organization's commitment to partnering with East African leaders and citizens to bolster opportunities and cultivate a more equitable society. "In East Africa, there is a growing aspiration to enhance education, health, workforce, and economic prospects as a means to fortify communities and uplift lives," stated Heppen. "Today, we're not merely opening an office; AIR is pledging to collaborate with the region's leaders and citizens to expand opportunities and forge a better, more equitable world for all."

The newly established office is poised to serve as a strategic nerve centre for AIR's operations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and other neighbouring countries. With a team comprising 39 staff members, the office is geared towards spearheading a diverse array of initiatives aimed at addressing the unique and multifaceted challenges confronting East Africa. These initiatives encompass third-party monitoring for USAID's Afya Uwazi project, exploring the nexus between socioeconomic indicators and climate change, supporting communications and dissemination for USAID's Famine Early Warning Systems Network, and evaluating environmental program activities in the region.

Christine Kiecha, managing director of AIR's Kenya office, emphasized the organization's collaborative approach and community engagement strategies. "The challenges in East Africa are intricate and distinct, underscoring the necessity of working closely with those directly impacted by the issues we seek to address," remarked Kiecha. "Our partnerships with regional universities and organizations will ensure the relevance of AIR’s research and technical assistance endeavours while contributing to the training of the next generation of social and behavioural scientists."

AIR's dedication to capacity building and knowledge exchange is epitomized through its Pipeline Partnership Program, supported by the AIR Equity Initiative. Through collaborations with institutions like the University of Dar es Salaam and the University of Nairobi, AIR offers education, training, and mentorship for students venturing into social and behavioural science fields. Additionally, partnerships with Kenyatta University and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology aim to bolster research and education efforts in Kenya.

Ashu Handa, an AIR Institute Fellow stationed in the Kenya office, expressed optimism regarding the organization's forthcoming endeavours in the region. "AIR aims to catalyze fostering the development and utilization of timely, pertinent evidence while nurturing the growth of social and behavioural science fields in East Africa," noted Handa. "We eagerly anticipate building upon our existing partnerships and forging new relationships that will prove instrumental in the future."

Article by Jed Mwangi

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