NRF Attends Workshop on Research for Foundational Learning in Kenya

What happens when Kenyan researchers, policymakers, and practitioners sit around the same table? At a recent workshop in Nairobi, the National Research Fund (NRF) joined stakeholders committed to reshaping how research supports foundational learning across the country.

As the agency mandated to support and promote research for national development, NRF attended the session to engage with emerging ideas and reflect on how our funding priorities can support research that truly responds to Kenya’s educational context; especially in the early years.

The workshop sparked energetic and constructive dialogue. Foundational learning researchers, education policymakers, and practitioners shared insights on bridging the gap between research, policy, and classroom realities. The message was clear: for research to have impact, it must be contextually grounded, evidence-driven, and actionable.

NRF values opportunities like this to listen, learn, and contribute to national conversations that shape the direction of research. We thank Education Sub Saharan Africa (ESSA) for convening this important dialogue, and look forward to the next steps as the outcomes are shared and translated into action.