Vice Chancellor releases his latest book on Research Methods

By Timothy Onyango and Jean Murungi

[Nairobi, Wednesday October 9, 2024]  The Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro has released his latest book titled: Educational Research Methods: A Functional Approach. The book is tailored to provide a practical approach to research methods for research students.

The book covers a wide range of methods used in educational research at all stages including the context of educational research, research design, methodologies for educational research, methods of data collection, and data analysis, and reporting.

The book was launched on Wednesday October 9, at the Sarova Panafric Hotel Nairobi. It is published by the Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB).  The glamorous launch attracted notable guests including the Chairman, Bidco Africa, Dr. Vimal Shah who was the Chief Guest, Chiromo Hospital Group Chairman, Dr. Frank Njenga, Professor of Law, Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, Professor of Literary Communication, Prof. Egara Kabaji, CEO, County Pension Fund, Dr. Hosea Kili,  CEO Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA), Dr. Tonny Omwansa, Vice-Chancellor USIU, Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, the Vice-Chancellor St. Paul’s University, Prof. James Kombo, Prof. Ratemo Michieka, Chair of Daystar University Council Prof. George Njoroge and his wife, Members of the University Council and Company Board of Trustees, representatives of other Universities, High School Principals, and Prof. Ayiro’s family.

In his address, the author Prof. Laban P. Ayiro stated that research should serve as a tool to enhance students’ outcomes in educational practices.  The book, he revealed, provides a practical approach to statistics, further clarifying that research is not just about numbers and statistics, but also about understanding human experiences and cultivating growth.

Acknowledging the growth in student numbers since he assumed office as the 4th VC of Daystar University in 2019, Prof. Ayiro urged faculty to prioritise students and truly care for them so that Daystar University can become a university of reference.

“Daystar University is in a mission I want to succeed, so that when I leave, I will hand it over to a Joshua,” said the VC.

Stressing on the importance of research, Dr. Vimal Shah urged universities to collaborate in research in order to enhance research output. “We don’t want to have 19th century lecturers in the 21st century,” said Dr. Shah, further urging dons to carry out research to enhance pedagogy.

Expounded on mental health challenges in the country, Chiromo Hospital Group Chairman, Dr. Frank Njenga revealed that by the age of 14, half of school-going children would be diagnosed with a mental issue. He thus called for deliberate investment in mental health, which he categorically stated was more needed today than the construction of dams and roads.

“If we can treat people struggling with mental health, we will be able to create an economic activity closer to 1% of Kenyan GDP”, he said, alluding to the state of mental health in Kenya.

On his part, Prof. Kabaji said Kenya needed to rethink its education system in a bid to reposition research to enable universities to carry impactful research projects.

“The book we are launching today is an important resource to the world of academia,” said Prof. Kabaji, adding that only research can help Kenya to come up with functional solutions to its problems.

Members of Prof. Ayiro’s family expressed their admiration of him. Prof. Ayiro’s eldest grandchild, Sifa Wambani, praised her grandfather as a source of inspiration who always encourages his grand children to be the best. His son Edwin Ayiro and daughter Marlene Ayiro thanked the organizing committee and Daystar University community for loving and supporting their father.

The University Chaplain Rev. Miano Weche, urged the audience to be passionate in their curiosity, saying that curiosity derives genuine search of information.

One of the VC’s mentee, Walter Mongare who is also a Masters student at Daystar University revealed how Prof. Ayiro had pushed him over the years to pursue his academic journey.

The book is published by Kenya Literature Bureau, and is currently available at Daystar University. To make inquiries about the book please contact: +254 720 876 448.