Academia Meets Profession: Maasai Mara University and ICPAK Collaborate on Research, Student Mentorship, and Industry Linkages
The University received a delegation from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) on a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peninah Aloo Obudho.
The ICPAK delegation was led by Director Mr. Hillary Onami and CPA Dr. Dorothy Koech accompanied by other national and regional ICPAK members.
The University was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Finance And Strategy, (DVC AF&S) Prof. James Nampushi, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation and Outreach (Ag. DVC, RI&O) Prof. Aloys Osano and the Dean of Students Mr. Mohamed Adan.
Discussions centred on a proposed partnership between the two institutions on areas of mutual interest that includes:
• Accountancy research — participation of faculty and postgraduate students in ICPAK’s annual research conferences, with papers in financial reporting, auditing, public finance, taxation, sustainability reporting, governance and ESG.
• Access to academic programmes — tuition consideration and preferential enrolment for ICPAK members pursuing postgraduate and doctoral studies.
• University–industry linkages — internships, mentorship and industrial attachment under the Trainee Accountants Practical Experience Framework (TAPEF).
• Community impact — student-led MSME advisory clinics offering accounting, bookkeeping and tax support to enterprises in Narok County.
• Capacity building — continuous professional development and tailor-made training for University staff.
The meeting laid the groundwork for a Memorandum of Understanding that will formalise the collaboration, with periodic consultative reviews to track progress and identify new areas of cooperation.
Maasai Mara University remains committed to producing industry-ready graduates and to research that informs policy and professional practice in Kenya.