"Pitt-Moi University in Kenya, Partnership"

GRANT: $ 124,081 (1 April 2003 ? 30 September 2004)

Management Capacity Development in Natural Resources and Environmental Programs at Moi University in Kenya: A Partnership with the University of Pittsburgh

John C. Weidman

Professor of Higher Education and Sociology, Project Director

Executive Summary
The project builds a linkage through the University Center for International Studies (UCIS) and the School of Education?s Program in Higher Education and Institute for Higher Education Management (IHEM) for revitalization of management capacity in natural resources and environmental programs at Moi University in Kenya through integrated technical assistance, consultancy, and training strategies. The project supports USAID?s Kenya Mission Strategic Objectives in Natural Resource Management and Democracy/ Governance.

During Phase 1 (April-September 2003), Pittsburgh project staff experienced in international higher education management will work closely with Moi senior managers in natural resources and environmental programs to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment upon which a client-centered project plan will be developed that includes strategies for revitalization of administrative and financial management capacity, including promoting democratic governance and financial transparency. Communication and exchange will occur by email and through an exchange of campus visits. Approximately the first two weeks in July a team of higher education management specialists from Pittsburgh will visit Moi for a needs assessment and cooperative development of the project plan. There will be a return visit to Pittsburgh by the Moi Project Director during the first week of August, 2003, to finalize the plan for the training program to be conducted at the University of Pittsburgh for four senior Moi managers during Phase 2. Partnership participants will also travel to Washington, DC, to attend the ALO "Synergy in Development Annual Meeting" August 6-8.

Phase II (October, 2003 - March, 2004) involves development and implementation of a two-week administrative fellowship training program in Pittsburgh. Four Moi Fellows will attend workshops designed to address areas identified in the needs assessment and meet with senior administrators at the University of Pittsburgh and other local higher education institutions. Using a "trainer of trainer" approach, each Fellow will work with a Pittsburgh counterpart on developing training materials and assembling resources for a high priority management area in preparation for offering an in-services workshop at Moi University.

Phase III (April - June, 2004) involves presentation of four, two-week in-service workshops at Moi University using materials to be developed during Phase II and conducted by Moi Fellows assisted by Pittsburgh project staff. Phase IV (July - September, 2004) includes evaluation of project impact, focusing on enhancing long-term relationships and development of a strategic plan for continuing joint activities, as well as establishment of a Higher Education Leadership and Management Resource Center at Moi University. Representatives from both partner institutions will also attend the ALO "Synergy in Development Annual Meeting" during the summer of 2004.