Universities face climate test as gaps in research, skills, policy slow Africa's response

(L) Dorcas Otieno, UNESCO Chair for Higher Education Development for a Green Economy and Sustainability at Kenyatta University, with Co-Founder and CEO, Jacob’s Ladder Africa, Sellah Bogonko, at the Africa Universities Summit 2026, KICC, March 31, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Each year, an estimated 15 million Kenyans are affected by climate-related shocks, from floods that sweep away homes to droughts that strain food systems.

Yet even as the impacts intensify, universities meant to prepare solutions remain disconnected from reality, with outdated curricula, weak research uptake and limited policy influence slowing progress.

At the Africa Universities Summit 2026 in Nairobi, Sellah Bogonko, co-founder and CEO of Jacob’s Ladder Africa, said the gaps are clear. “The current gaps in institutions of higher learning are that our curriculum is not updated to address the challenges of climate,” she said, highlighting a mismatch between what students learn and the crises they face.

(L) Dorcas Otieno, UNESCO Chair for Higher Education Development for a Green Economy and Sustainability at Kenyatta University, with Co-Founder and CEO, Jacob’s Ladder Africa, Sellah Bogonko, at the Africa Universities Summit 2026, KICC, March 31, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Bogonko added that research often exists but rarely translates into policy or practical solutions. “Local research is relevant to finding local solutions,” she said, stressing the need for funding and partnerships.

Bogonko described a system where universities rarely collaborate with the organisations implementing programmes on the ground. “There’s no handshake between academia and the people who actually solve challenges,” she said, pointing to missed opportunities to align efforts and reduce duplication.

The effects of climate change are already visible: floods, prolonged droughts and rising temperatures are shaping migration, infrastructure damage and economic strain. “We need to adapt to these challenges because we can see what effects it’s having on our food systems and infrastructure,” said Bogonko.

Dorcas Otieno, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Chair for Higher Education Development for a Green Economy and Sustainability at Kenyatta University, noted that the problem begins early.

Climate change is often treated as a specialised topic rather than a foundational issue. “In many countries, climate change is not integrated in the curriculum and therefore there is a need to integrate climate change not only in one subject but in all the subjects,” she said.

Otieno emphasised an interdisciplinary approach so every learner is equipped to respond. “Every learner has a right to be informed about climate change,” she said.

Both experts highlighted curriculum transformation, redefining research priorities and turning campuses into hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship. Despite Africa contributing less than one per cent of global research output, the continent faces severe climate impacts, underscoring the need for locally led solutions.

The summit, which hosted more than 60 speakers, also underscored the role of partnerships. In her opening remarks, Dr Beatrice Muganda, Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, urged institutions to develop knowledge grounded in local realities.

“Our universities must lead in developing knowledge that is rooted in our realities, informed by our indigenous systems and scalable to the world,” she said.

Bogonko framed climate change as both a challenge and an opportunity. “It’s a great time for us to address them and create jobs,” she said, highlighting the potential of green skills and careers to drive economic and environmental outcomes.

Experts called on governments to turn policy into tangible action, noting that while frameworks exist, universities and other stakeholders must implement them.

Africa’s universities are central to climate resilience, but without urgent reforms in teaching, research and collaboration, the continent risks falling short at a critical moment, with costs measured in lives and livelihoods.