Turkana University College (TUC) Hosts UNICEF Country Representative Dr. Shaheen Nilofer to Strengthen Research, Education, and Development Partnerships.
16th June,2026
Dr. Shaheen Nilofer speaks during the partnership engagement at TUCTurkana University College on 16
th June 2026 hosted a delegation from UNICEF Kenya led by UNICEF Country Representative, Dr. Shaheen Nilofer, on a courtesy visit to the University. The delegation was received by the Deputy Principal in charge of Research, Innovation and Linkages, Prof. Peter Edome.The visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between Turkana University College, UNICEF Kenya, and the County Government of Turkana in advancing research, education governance, and evidence-based policy development aimed at improving education outcomes across Turkana County.Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Peter Edome highlighted the University's commitment to teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement, emphasizing the institution's role in generating practical solutions to local challenges through strategic partnerships. He also acknowledged UNICEF's support in facilitating the placement of ten interns within the Turkana County Government.The Lead Coordinator, Dr. Julius K.A. Chepkwony, commended the collaboration between Turkana University College and UNICEF, noting that the partnership has, over the past two years, delivered significant milestones. These include the development of the Partnerships Coordination Policy (PCP), the Comprehensive Financial Analysis (CFA), and research on Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) governance in Turkana County.The ECDE study assessed the functionality of ECDE Committees and School Management Committees across the county, generating evidence-based recommendations to strengthen governance, accountability, community participation, and the overall management of education services.
Official opening of the UNICEF–TUC Knowledge Hub by Dr. Shaheen NiloferA major highlight of the visit was the official opening and handover of the UNICEF–Turkana
University College Knowledge Hub by Dr. Shaheen Nilofer. Established with support from UNICEF Kenya, the Knowledge Hub is expected to strengthen research, innovation, and knowledge generation while promoting evidence-based decision-making to address development challenges.
UNICEF–TUC Knowledge Hub at Turkana University College.The University also presented a proposal to transform the Knowledge Hub into a Centre for Refugee Development Studies. The proposed Centre will serve as a platform for research, innovation, policy dialogue, and capacity development on issues affecting refugee and host communities, with a focus on education, child protection, social cohesion, resilience, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.Once established, the Centre is expected to position Turkana University College as a regional hub for refugee and host community research while strengthening collaboration among academia, government, and development partners in generating evidence to inform policy and improve the lives of vulnerable communities.
TUC and UNICEF Kenya team during a tree planting activity.As part of the visit, the UNICEF delegation and Turkana University College management also participated in a tree-planting exercise within the University, reaffirming their shared commitment to environmental conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Prof. Peter Edome and Dr. Shaheen Nilofer at the UNICEF–TUC Knowledge Hub.The visit underscored the shared commitment of Turkana University College, UNICEF Kenya, and the County Government of Turkana to fostering research-driven solutions, strengthening education systems, and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.