Varsity Dons Embrace Emerging Frontiers in Teaching and Research

Chuka University academic staff have been challenged to embrace emerging approaches and technologies in teaching and research as the University intensifies efforts to strengthen academic quality, innovation, integrity and scholarly productivity. The call was made during a scholarly consultative engagement between University Management and full-time and part-time academic staff, which focused on strengthening teaching and learning, enhancing research capacity and equipping lecturers with emerging tools, skills and knowledge to improve academic delivery.
A key focus of the engagement was the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework, with the Dean, Faculty of Education and Resources Development, Dr. Peter Kimathi, taking staff through the learner-centred approach and its implications for university teaching, assessment and curriculum development. Dr. Kimathi noted that CBE emphasises what learners are able to know, do and demonstrate, requiring continuous and formative assessment throughout the learning process to monitor progress and provide timely feedback. He further highlighted the University’s preparations to receive its first CBE cohort in 2029, including curriculum development and alignment with Commission for University Education (CUE) guidelines, industry needs and emerging labour-market requirements. All new and revised curricula will be CBE-aligned.
The engagement also explored Artificial Intelligence (AI) for teaching efficiency, with the CoD, Computer Science, Dr. Edna Too, highlighting opportunities for academic staff to responsibly integrate AI into teaching, preparation of learning materials, assessment and other academic activities. She emphasised that AI should complement, rather than replace, lecturers’ creativity, expertise and professional judgement, while upholding academic integrity, originality and quality. The Department of Computer Science will undertake a sensitisation and training programme targeting academic staff.
Academic staff were further taken through the use of Google platforms for class management and teaching efficiency by the Head of ICT, Mr. Charles Kinyua. The session focused on digital tools that support communication, collaboration, sharing of learning materials, class management and engagement between lecturers and students.
On research, the Director, Research, Extension and Publications, Prof. Eunice Githae, sensitized staff on research skills and scholarly practices, emphasizing the need to strengthen research competencies, increase quality scholarly output and promote a culture of research and innovation. The Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prof. Paul Kamweru, challenged academic staff to regard academic quality as a collective responsibility, urging them to rethink teaching strategies and strengthen academic integrity across the entire academic quality chain from curriculum development and teaching to assessment and graduation.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Mutembei challenged academic staff to make their research visible and position themselves as authorities in their respective disciplines. He encouraged lecturers to publish their research, strengthen their presence on platforms such as Google Scholar, build academic networks and forge partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance both individual and University visibility.
The Vice-Chancellor called on senior Dons to mentor emerging researchers and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening teaching and research through targeted research centres, best researcher awards, a Best Lecturer of the Year award, and enhanced faculty and student exchange programmes. Prof. Mutembei also affirmed that the University is on course with its CBE preparations and urged Deans to champion the process. He further encouraged the academic staff to submit their claims promptly to facilitate timely payment, noting that outstanding part-time payments had been fully settled to date.
The engagement was attended by members of University Management, including the DVC Academic, Research and Student Affairs Prof. Gilbert Nduru; DVC Administration, Finance, Planning and Development Prof. Jonah Kindiki; Registrar Academic Affairs Dr. Samwel Chege; Registrar Administration and Planning Dr. Peter Mabubi; Senior Legal Officer Ms. Stella Kaburia; and Procurement Officer Ms. Anne Makau.