Participants of ICA Africa chapter Launch - at Daystar University

On Wednesday, April 5th 2023, the International Communication Association (ICA), a global academic association for communication scholars and practitioners, launched its ICA Kenya Chapter at Daystar University Nairobi Campus.  

The ICA Kenya Chapter is an innovation of ICA, which has its headquarters in Washington DC, and was established over 50 years ago as a global academic association. ICA which has over 80 countries represented has embarked on establishing regional chapters outside USA and especially in the Global South.  

Chaired by the Director of Research and Graduate Studies Sr. Prof. A. L. Lando, the ICA Kenya Chapter is being spearheaded by a Board of 19 members from various universities.  These include The Aga Khan University, Daystar University, Koitaleel Samoei University College, Laikipia University, Multimedia University of Kenya, Tangaza University College, The Catholic University of Eastern Africa and Africa Community Leadership and Development. 

 Speaking at the ICA Kenya Chapter Kick-off Event, the ICA President, Prof. Noshir Contractor said, "We are excited to launch the ICA Kenya Chapter as it marks an important milestone in the Association’s efforts to promote academic research in Communication in Africa. Establishing the Kenya Chapter will advance communication and multidisciplinary scholarly research through mentorship, capacity building and collaboration. This reflects our commitment to supporting and advancing communication scholarly research not only in Kenya, but also across the continent,” said Prof. Contractor.  

 The inter-varsity event attracted delegates including Vice-chancellors, communication scholars and practitioners from various universities who converged at Daystar University Nairobi Campus to witness the kick-off event.   

Daystar University Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro congratulated the launch of the Kenya Chapter. 

“We are proud to be associated with ICA as this crucial initiative will provide a vital platform for communication scholars in Kenya and beyond to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge and expertise. In collaboration with other universities, we look forward to working closely with ICA Kenya Chapter to advance this goal of improving the skillset of researchers in Africa and unleashing the latent academic potential in Africa,” said Prof. Ayiro.   

Sr. Prof. A. L. Lando, ICA Kenya Chapter Chair said, “Since the first ICA Regional Conference which was held in Nairobi, Kenya in 2016, I am excited that the journey of ICA in Africa is bearing fruit and that there is increased representation of the Global South.  ICA Kenya Chapter will offer communication scholars and practitioners an opportunity to network and dialogue with other stakeholders in the field and provide a special focus of the African worldview.  

The International Communication Association (ICA), is a global academic association for communication scholars with its headquarters in Washington DC, USA. ICA aims to advance the scholarly study of communication by encouraging and facilitating excellence in academic research worldwide. ICA began more than 50 years ago and is now a truly international association with members in over 80 countries. In 2023, ICA has launched regional chapters in Nigeria, Indonesia and China and today launched the Kenya Chapter. 

For more about the worldwide ICA visit www.icahdq.org