Advancing Knowledge. Transforming Communities. Driving Innovation.

At Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK), research is at the heart of our mission. We are committed to producing high-impact, community-focused, and globally relevant research that addresses critical challenges in health, education, agriculture, environment, and technology. Our research ecosystem is built on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, empowering students, faculty, and partners to create solutions that matter.

 

Our Research Philosophy

GLUK’s research agenda is rooted in our dedication to improving lives and driving sustainable development. We emphasize:

• Evidence-based decision-making

• Community-engaged research

• Interdisciplinary approaches

• Capacity building and knowledge transfer

We believe that real-world solutions begin with local action, and our research is designed to benefit both the scholarly community and the society at large.

 

Key Research Areas

GLUK’s multidisciplinary approach spans a wide range of sectors, with strong emphasis in the following thematic areas:

• Health Systems & Public Health
  Strengthening health systems and addressing public health challenges through field-based, participatory research.

• Community Development & Social Transformation
  Engaging communities in co-creating solutions to improve livelihoods, education, and access to essential services.

• Food Security & Agriculture
  Promoting sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food systems that support local economies and ecological balance.

• Environmental Health & WASH
  Conducting research on water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and climate resilience to improve public health outcomes.

• Education, ICT & Innovation
  Exploring the role of digital technologies, pedagogy, and business systems in transforming teaching, learning, and development.

 

GLUK Research Centre

The GLUK Research Centre provides the infrastructure and resources needed to foster excellence in research and innovation. Our centre is:

• Equipped with modern research tools and laboratories

• Staffed by a team of seasoned academics and specialists

• Linked to national and international partners for collaborative projects

The centre also supports student-led research, offering mentorship, proposal development assistance, and opportunities to present findings through workshops, publications, and community forums.

 

Flagship Projects

1. AQUADEVBUS Project – “Aquaculture Without Borders”

This international collaboration connects GLUK with partners from Kenya, Norway, and Finland to advance aquaculture research and education. Funded by Erasmus+ (2023–2026), the project addresses sustainable fisheries, food security, and climate adaptation in East Africa.

2. Let’s Stand Together – Erasmus+ Grant

GLUK leads a six-institution consortium focused on building research capacity and institutional resilience in higher education. This EU-funded project strengthens our commitment to international research excellence.

 

Center for Research and Innovation (CRI)

The CRI at GLUK is the university’s think tank for research in health systems, education, agriculture, and sustainable livelihoods. Through CRI, GLUK works closely with policy makers, NGOs, and communities to ensure research informs action.

The CRI has contributed to:

• Fertility and family planning models in Western Kenya

• Community-based health information systems

• Training of local leaders and stakeholders in evidence-informed decision-making

 

Student Research and Postgraduate Opportunities

We believe in nurturing the next generation of researchers. Through our Master’s and PhD programs, students engage in hands-on research projects, often embedded in community settings. Research themes are aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Interested in research that makes an impact?

➡️ Apply to our postgraduate programs today!

 

Collaborate With Us

GLUK welcomes partnerships with:

• Academic institutions

• Research organizations

• Government agencies

• NGOs and the private sector

Whether it’s joint research, technical assistance, or innovation pilots, we invite you to collaborate and co-create sustainable solutions with us.

 

Be Part of Our Research Community

• Discover knowledge.
• Drive change.
• Impact communities.

Contact the GLUK Research Office to learn more or explore partnership opportunities.
📧 research@gluk.ac.ke