Murang’a University of Technology (MUT) recently got awarded the prestigious Gold Tier Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) certification. This certification, recognized globally, is awarded to institutions that demonstrate excellence in financial management and transparency in the management of research grants. The award was presented by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) with support from KPMG and the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC).
The GFGP certification process, which began in March 2023, involved a rigorous review of the university’s human resource, finance, and procurement processes. After a thorough assessment, KPMG certified the university as meeting the Gold Tier standard of ARS 1651:2018, the world’s first international standard for grant management. This comprehensive evaluation ensured that MUT’s practices aligned with global best practices for transparency and accountability in managing grants.
In an official statement during the award ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dickson M. Nyariki expressed his pride in the university’s achievement. He emphasized that the certification reflects the collective effort and dedication of everyone at MUT. “This recognition is not just a testament to our institution’s commitment to excellence but also a reflection of the collective effort, dedication, and vision of everyone involved in this journey,” said Prof. Nyariki. His words highlighted the significance of the achievement, not only for the university but also for the broader academic and research community in Kenya.
The certification brings several key benefits to MUT. It enhances the university’s financial governance, ensuring that the institution adheres to international standards in managing research funds. This, in turn, boosts MUT’s reputation and makes it more attractive to international collaborators and funding bodies. The certification also contributes to the university’s institutional capacity, helping identify and address any gaps in financial management and operational efficiency. With standardized financial practices, MUT can reduce inefficiencies and maintain compliance with global best practices, fostering trust among potential partners and donors.
Beyond the certification, MUT also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) during the award ceremony. This partnership paves the way for joint research collaborations, advanced grant writing training, supervision of postgraduate students, and hosting international conferences. Prof. Nyariki extended an invitation to stakeholders for the university’s upcoming International Conference, set for November 2025, with the theme “Leveraging Innovation and Technological Advancement for Sustainable Development.”
In addition to the MoU with APHRC, Prof. Nyariki acknowledged the contributions of the university’s finance and administrative teams, university management, and council for their role in ensuring the successful certification process. He reiterated that the university is committed to sharing its expertise with other institutions across Africa, offering training, mentorship, and technical assistance in financial governance.
Source: Muranga University
