From February 4 to 6, 2025, the Faculties of Law and Health Sciences convened a PhD supervisors workshop at the University Towers. The event, officially opened by Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Ayub Gitau, brought together faculty members, supervisors, and key academic leaders to discuss best practices in PhD supervision, mentorship, and research excellence. This workshop was the second in a series of faculty-based PhD supervision enhancement initiatives organized by the University of Nairobi with support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).
Over the three-day engagement, participants delved into various critical topics. Discussions on supervision frameworks and best practices addressed recruitment strategies, supervision styles, and the establishment of formal supervision terms to ensure structured and effective PhD mentorship. Challenges and solutions in supervision were also examined, highlighting issues such as problems that arise in supervision, unfair situations, the process of detachment, and the emotional aspects of the relationship between a supervisor and an employee being supervised. The importance of scientific integrity and quality assurance was emphasized, focusing on maintaining academic integrity, fostering university citizenship, and ensuring rigorous doctoral research quality standards.
Networking and collaboration opportunities allowed attendees to exchange insights, discuss challenges, and identify strategies for enhancing PhD training. Additionally, the workshop underscored the significance of mentorship and career development, encouraging supervisors to embrace mentorship beyond academia and prepare PhD candidates for leadership roles in academia, research, and industry.
The University of Nairobi remains committed to fostering a culture of research excellence and effective mentorship. By investing in such workshops, the institution aims to enhance the quality of PhD supervision, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the development of future leaders in various fields.
