IDS Celebrates its 60th Anniversary
The Institute for Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Nairobi celebrated its 60th anniversary on 8th and 9th October 2025. The anniversary brought together scholars, policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners to reflect on six decades of pioneering research and its contribution to Kenya’s, Africa’s and global development discourse.
Speaking during the official opening, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Finance, Planning and Development,Prof. Jackson Maalu said that, The Institute for Development Studies was undertaking the celebration in a context characterized by rapid economic, political, social and ecological changes. These changes call for re-positioning of higher education institutions to make better contribution in addressing the challenges. “The IDS research themes cover most challenges facing the globe and the UoN is proud of the research networks, collaborations, policy and practice connections that the IDS has nurtured.”
The event was characterized by keynote speeches, plenary sessions and panel discussions. Prof. Sam Hickey, who is the professor of politics and development from the University of Manchester, UK, gave a keynote address on questioning the study and practice of development studies in a dynamic world. He noted that development needs a normative stance. “Meaningful development goes beyond analysis and data. It demands both evidence and values, a vision for what should be and not just what exists”.
Prof. Samuel Makinda, Professor Emeritus of International Relations and security studies from the College of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Murdoch University also delivered a powerful keynote address on “Development Discourse Globally from a Historical Perspective,” tracing the evolution of development thinking and the influence of global ideologies on policy and practice. He touched on the role of language in shaping the development discourse, where he noted that facts and data are essential foundations for development, yet ideology often interferes with how they are used.
Discussions concentrated on the rise of digital data and its growing importance in shaping economies and influencing development policy. Speakers emphasized that data has become central to the Development discourse, serving as a key tool in understanding and addressing societal challenges. Prof. Karuti Kanyinga who also served as the director of research at the institute, moderated a session on the experiences of researchers in collecting and disseminating data, as well as the challenges that come with it. The panel noted that data can be accepted or rejected by governments, depending on political interests, and that the high cost of obtaining survey data limits access in many African countries and there was a strong call to increase public literacy on data to promote accountability and informed policymaking.
A panel discussion on “Influence of the Prevailing Development Discourse in Africa – Using Data as Evidence for Development Policy” featured contributions from Kwame Owino, CEO of the Institute of Economic Affairs, who stated that political and those who use data effectively will increasingly define economic debates. The panel noted that while data is critical, people ultimately make policy decisions, and evidence must be interpreted responsibly. Sectors such as health has large amounts of data but are often scattered and inaccessible, which calls for the need for better coordination and investment in data systems.
There was also a focused discussion on the future of IDS and its role in shaping research and policy in a dynamic world. Prof. Winnie Mitullah moderated a session on “Future-Proofing IDS: Resilience in a Dynamic World,” where speakers reflected on the Institute’s achievements and the steps needed to strengthen its impact. Prof. Kabiru Kinyanjui emphasized the importance of institutional memory and purpose, noting that remembrance is deliberate, just as research must be intentional.
Speakers and participants also praised IDS for maintaining stable leadership, producing competent researchers, and sustaining influence locally and across the region. They also encouraged the Institute to continue enhancing its visibility in key decision-making spaces and to anchor its presence on quality research and credible data. The event concluded with reflections on how IDS can continue to drive Africa’s development agenda over the next decades through evidence-based research, collaboration, and policy engagement.
