Zetech University has etched its name in the annals of African academia after being awarded the prestigious Platinum Certification in Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP), the highest tier of recognition under the globally acclaimed grant management framework.  

The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) conferred the certification during the university’s 7th Annual Research and Innovation Week, making Zetech the first Kenyan university—and only the second institution in Africa—to attain the elite Platinum status. The GFGP standard, developed with backing from the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), rigorously assesses institutions across four levels of compliance, with Platinum reserved for those exhibiting world-class financial governance, procurement systems, and risk mitigation protocols.  
The certification solidifies Zetech’s credibility as a financially accountable institution, strategically positioning it to compete for high-value, multi-country research grants.  “This is a transformative achievement for Zetech,” said Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene. “The Platinum certification affirms that we meet international standards in financial governance, enabling us to confidently engage with global partners.”  

The recognition is expected to attract increased interest from international donors, NGOs, and academic collaborators seeking reliable African institutions for research initiatives.  

The certification comes at a critical time as African universities face mounting pressure to demonstrate financial transparency while competing for international research funding.  

Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi, Executive Director of APHRC, hailed Zetech’s accomplishment as a watershed moment for institutional accountability in Africa. “This Platinum status proves that African universities can meet global benchmarks in financial integrity,” she said. “It unlocks doors to more complex, high-impact research opportunities for the continent.”  
During the award ceremony, Zetech’s leadership emphasised its commitment to aligning research with societal needs. Chancellor Prof. Susan Alfano Nkinyangi stressed the importance of applied research in driving innovation and fostering industry partnerships.  

“Universities must transcend academic isolation and actively engage with policymakers, industries, and communities,” she stated. “At Zetech, we prioritise research that delivers tangible solutions.”  
The GFGP certification, initially designed to streamline grant management for funding agencies, is fast becoming a gold standard for institutional excellence. Zetech’s achievement signals a broader shift in Africa’s capacity to meet international financial and operational benchmarks, setting a precedent for other institutions on the continent.  With this recognition, Zetech University not only cements its reputation as a leader in financial governance but also reinforces Africa’s growing role in global research and innovation.  

 

Article by Jed Mwangi

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