It was the 5th     DBA-Africa Management Review International Conference that kick started the University of Nairobi’s Research Week 2020.

The theme of the conference was “Driving the 21st century agenda through innovations in business management practices”

While officially opening the conference, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama said, “The research week is a platform for sharing experiences, building research capacity and sharing research findings and outcomes to maximize the usefulness of research.”

“The theme of the conference is especially relevant in the current situation as we deal with adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on all sectors of the economy.” The VC said.

Deputy Vice Chancellor Research Innovation & Enterprise, Prof. Horrace Ochanda said, “This is the third year we are hosting the research week; research week is a strategic decision to provide scholars, researchers and students an opportunity to engage with stakeholders in respective fields.”

Prof. Ochanda also noted that the research week was specifically intended to foster discussions on research activities and findings, create a platform for presentation of academic papers and showcase innovation illustrations as well as foster and strengthen partnerships with other players in the research enterprise across various sectors.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) Principal Prof. Mohamud Jama observed that, “Innovations is no longer a luxury but a powerful tool that cuts across all facets of life be it in academia, government, corporates or the private sector. This is particularly relevant in our situation as it is a period of uncertainty and conflicts with very wide regional and international impacts.”

“During the conference, we hope to share experiences on different innovations in the various thematic areas and scale up our responses to existing needs, making them more relevant. This hopefully will translate into increasing our hands on experiences in work, help us grow and be more productive and smart in providing innovative solutions to business sectors through research.” Said Prof. Jama.

Conference Chairperson. Dr. Caren Angima noted that this year’s conference was meant to enhance greater recognition and understanding of the place of innovations in the ever changing dynamic environment in which businesses operates  “There are continued challenges at the work places thus the need to conduct research, share and transfer knowledge to enhance business management practices in all areas.” She said.

Chairperson, Department of Business Administration, Dr Florence Muindi said, “We are proud to be holding the 5th DBA-Africa Management Review International conference virtually this year, due to the prevailing COVID 19 circumstances, which will be a completely new experience.”

Keynotes Speakers were Prof Felix  Musau , Dean School of computing Sciences, Riara University, Dr Beatrice Matiri Maisori  a Consultant  and Mr Mutuku Nzomo, CEO, Retirement Benefits Authority, Kenya.

Prof Felix  Musau presented on “Challenges facing creativity and Innovation in the institutions of higher learning in Kenya”

Dr Beatrice Matiri Maisori, presented on “International Business Strategy in the 21st Century - The opportunity for Africa's SME's.”

Mr Mutuku Nzomo, Presented on “Whether or not to retire early: Considerations and implications for employers and employees”