From left: Steadman's Maggie Ireri, SMS's Derrick Nyakweba, and Fredah Mwiti; Steadman's Emily Gumba; Makena Mbogori; and SMS's Kevin Maingi

The Strathmore Marketing Society (SMS) on Friday, 5th December launched the Research Society arm of the club. The club patron, Miss Fredah Mwiti, said it was important for the club to get more involved in research activities.

"The university has been striving to develop a research culture in all departments, and students should embrace this culture too. I believe the research arm of the club will give students an opportunity to be involved in research projects that will address issues facing not only the University, but the wider community as well," Miss Mwiti said.

The Research arm of SMS will in partnership with the Steadman Group run Research Society of Kenya involve students in various supervised projects. The student researchers will then present their findings to colleagues from other universities at an annual competition.

Winners will get awards for their respective clubs and their universities.  Students who show the greatest potential will be trained by Steadman on applied research and be given jobs during holidays. "There is a lot to be gained from this initiative.  Students who get this kind of training can work with lecturers at the university as research assistants," Miss Mwiti added.

Ms Maggie Ireri, Steadman's Business Development Manager gave a talk on market research during the launch. She said research helps in making informed decisions. She encouraged students to take research as a profession since universities are the largest supplier of employees. "Once a researcher always a problem solver," she said.

She told students that they will encounter challenges during research but they should learn from them. "You should learn from challenges. Your past is not your future" she said. Mrs Emily Gumba, the coordinator for secondary schools and universities research clubs at Steadman discussed some of the challenges that students might face while undertaking research.