The Production of new knowledge through the practices of research and publications has been central at the heart of the university’s mission. Traditionally, universities relied heavily on formal publication systems as a means of disseminating research findings from their scholars. However, with the coming of newer digital technologies, a modern approach to research dissemination through hybrid and virtual conferences has been embraced which has enhanced a broader range of dissemination possibilities of research and publications.

In meeting this diversity, the University through the Directorate of Research and Innovation in collaboration with the School of Education, School of Arts and Human Development, and School of Business, Economics, and Management Sciences held the 8th International Interdisciplinary Conference (8IIC-2023) themed: Sustaining Human Development in an Emerging Digital Era on 9-10 November 2023 which brought together scholars, research and intellectual minds in the cross-cutting themes within the social Science spheres. A total of over 60 abstracts were presented during the conference.

The Conference which was officially opened by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (AF) Prof. Wilson Ng’etich representing the Vice-Chancellor saw a Keynote talk on Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Higher Education by Dr. Lydia Mucheru from Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development and a Public Lecture on Revolutionizing Education: The Power of Data Driven e-Learning by Dr. Kennedy Okong’o being presented. In between, the conference broke away into break-away rooms each room having a diverse sub-theme where presentations on research were displayed by the researchers.

On day two, the conference further saw presenters presenting their abstracts in a hybrid manner, before culminating in a keynote address by Mr. Reuben Kigame on the title Towards Interdisciplinary Writing And Research In Social Sciences: A Look At Essays In African Christianity And Theology which brought forth arguments that were all addressed by the keynote speaker.

Also present during the conference were Members of the University Management Board, the Director of Research and Innovation: Prof. Lizzy Mwamburi, the Director of Eldoret Town Campus: Prof. Linnet Gohole, the Director of Gender, Equity, and Diversity: Dr. Judith Makwali, the Director of Quality Assurance: Dr. Gertrude Were, Director Board of Post-Graduate Studies: Prof. Samuel Lutta, Dean School of Education: Dr. Hosea Kiplagat, Dean School of Human Resource: Dr. Jacob Onyango, Dean School of Business, Economics and Management Sciences: Dr. Caroline Ayuma, Dean School of Science: Prof. Donald Otieno, Chair Board of Research and Innovation: Prof. Gelas Simiyu, faculty members, staff and students.