South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) has taken a significant step towards strengthening its research and computational capacity following the delivery of scientific and computing equipment for a UNESCO-TWAS funded research project focused on breast cancer treatment and patients’ quality of life.
The equipment marks an important milestone in the implementation of the project, “Modelling the Effect of Breast Cancer Treatment Options on Quality of Life of Patients in Tertiary Hospitals in Kenya.” The new research infrastructure will enhance the capacity of the multidisciplinary research team to undertake mathematical and statistical modelling, stochastic simulations, data analysis and visualisation.
The delivery was witnessed by University Management led by Prof. Eng. Douglas Shitanda, Vice Chancellor, and Prof. Harrison Maithya, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic, Research and Innovation). Also present were Dr. Mugambi Linturi, Dean, School of Science and Computing; Dr. Cyprian Sakwa, Chairperson, Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science; Mr. Joshua Mwema, Ag. Director, ICT; Dr. Joel Ngesa, the project’s Mathematical Modelling and Simulation Lead; and members of the ICT Directorate led by Ms. Lilian Nzioki.
The equipment will provide essential computational infrastructure for the research team as it works to generate locally relevant evidence on the effects of different breast cancer treatment options on patients’ quality of life. It will also facilitate the development of computational simulations aimed at estimating treatment costs, supporting evidence-based approaches to healthcare planning and decision-making.
The project brings together expertise from several disciplines, including nursing, public health, pure mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematical modelling, stochastic modelling and computational simulation. This multidisciplinary approach reflects SEKU’s commitment to leveraging research and innovation to address complex health and societal challenges affecting communities in Kenya.
The project is led by Prof. David Mumo Malonza, Professor of Pure Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science and Director, SEKU Kitui Campus. He is supported by Dr. Catherine Syombua Mwenda, Dr. Francicah Mumbua Mwangangi, Dr. Stanley Odhiambo Sewe and Dr. Joel Ngesa, who contribute complementary expertise across health sciences, public health, mathematical modelling and simulation.
The USD 42,000 UNESCO-TWAS Research Grant supports approved research activities, including the acquisition of scientific equipment and supplies, MSc research, conference participation and open-access publication. Beyond supporting the immediate research project, the grant represents an important investment in SEKU’s research ecosystem by strengthening infrastructure, promoting multidisciplinary collaboration and supporting postgraduate research training.
Through the project, SEKU is further advancing the application of mathematical and computational sciences to real-world healthcare challenges. The integration of health sciences with mathematical modelling and computational simulation is expected to contribute to the generation of evidence that can inform understanding of treatment outcomes, quality of life and healthcare costs among breast cancer patients in Kenya.
The delivery of the equipment therefore represents more than an addition to the University’s research facilities. It is a key step towards building sustainable research capacity, fostering interdisciplinary innovation and positioning SEKU to contribute meaningful, locally relevant evidence to the improvement of healthcare outcomes.
