Tuesday, April 18, 2023, the University of Nairobi  through the Department of Political Science and Public Administration hosted for the first time in Africa the International Public Policy Association (IPPA) summer school-Nairobi edition which was attended by participants from different universities across three continents and more than ten countries among them master’s degree students. 

The Secretary General, International Public Policy Association (IPPA), Prof Philippe Zittoum addressed participants during the event and tackled a topic on “Understanding the Politics of Policymaking between experts, bureaucrats and politicians.” In addition, he noted that it was not easy to arrange such an edition and noted that they look forward to a next one will be held in Toronto University despite challenges being there that will host more than 1500 participants from different countries to exchange knowledge on different issues  on the globe facing such countries. He appreciated the University of Nairobi fraternity for hosting the event and looked forward to working together when planning of such events come. A photo session followed between the University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof Stephen Kiama and the University team and participants of the event.

The University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama addressed applauded the organizers of the event as it created an avenue for scholars to learn and exchange ideas that will enable them write papers that will be read by others and the government and some which will be published and implemented to become public policies on different issues. He highlighted some of the global  issues that have affected different countries: Food security, climate change, covid 19 which had a negative impact  and other emerging diseases. He encouraged the participants to discuss the different issues at length in line with public policy on ways to find solutions to deal with them.

Other guests who also graced the event had different topics to tackle .Dr.Joseph Obosi discussed the topic “Policy Experts and Bureaucrats in the Policy Process: The Nexus between Universities Expertise and Policy Advisory Systems in Africa.” Prof .Frank Fischer tacked the topic “Public Policy Advice: The Search for Usable Knowledge.” At the end, there was a plenary discussion that was open to participants on the Logistics and Way forward in relation to the topic International Public Policy issues. During this session, the participants gave their assumptions and asked questions from the different topics that had been talked by different speakers. After this session, the event ended at 1pm where guests and other participants were realised for lunch that was served in the University of Nairobi. After the lunch break, guest left at their own pleasure.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Prof Julius Ogeng’o who made his remarks about the event and in his speech, he talked about the University of Nairobi being at the top in offering scholarships to students across Kenya. He encouraged master students who participated in the event to do more researches on different issues facing different countries such as climate change so as to find permanent solutions.

In attendance from the University of Nairobi top management officials was Prof Fred Jonyo, the chairman, department of political science and public administration, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social science, Prof. Jack Odhiambo, Deputy vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Prof .Julius Ogeng’o, Secretary General, International Public Policy Association(IPPA), Prof. Philippe Zittoun and Vice Chancellor,  University of Nairobi,  Prof. Stephen Kiama.  

The meeting commenced by 10am and was chaired by Prof Fred Jonyo, chairman department of Political Science and Public administration .He started by welcoming everyone to the meeting and started by inviting Prof Jack Odhiambo, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Science who made his opening remarks to the meeting.