28 April 2026 | Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eldoret
BioCosmos Kenya held a Departmental Workshop at the University of Eldoret (UoE) Department of Biological Sciences on 28 April 2026, as part of its 2026 programme of engaging university faculty in scholarly dialogue on Intelligent Design (ID), biological complexity and the origin of life.
The workshop attracted 18 of the 20 targeted faculty members, representing a 90% attendance rate. The focused departmental format provided an opportunity for faculty to examine the subject in depth, raise questions and engage in open academic discussion.
1.1 Exploring Intelligent Design
The workshop introduced participants to the work and academic programmes of BioCosmos Africa and BioCosmos Kenya, followed by sessions on Intelligent Design and approaches to identifying evidence of intelligent causation in nature.
Key concepts discussed included:
- Complex Specified Information (CSI);
- Irreducible Complexity;
- The Explanatory Filter;
- Abductive Reasoning; and
- The use of scientific evidence and inference in design detection.
Using examples from biology, including DNA and molecular systems, the facilitators demonstrated how questions of information, complexity and functional organization are examined within the Intelligent Design framework.
The workshop also explored the distinction between micro-evolution and macro-evolution, generating substantial discussion among faculty on biological change, information and evolutionary explanations.
1.2 Faculty Engagement
The sessions were highly interactive, with faculty members raising questions about the scientific methodology of Intelligent Design, its relationship with evolutionary biology, and the distinction between scientific inference and philosophical or theological questions concerning origins.
The engagement provided a platform for respectful scholarly dialogue and critical examination of competing explanations of biological complexity.
1.3 Connecting Faculty to Research and Learning
Participants were introduced to the BioCosmos Africa online course (Track 1) and guided through the registration process and available learning resources.
The workshop also highlighted opportunities for BioCosmos Kenya membership and collaborative research, including the BioCosmos Africa Research Fund – 2026 Call. Faculty members were encouraged to explore interdisciplinary research opportunities and participate in future BioCosmos academic programmes.
1.4 Strengthening the University Partnership
The workshop further strengthened the existing relationship between BioCosmos Kenya and the University of Eldoret’s Department of Biological Sciences, with participants expressing interest in continued academic engagement through seminars, workshops and research collaboration.
The engagement was coordinated by Dr. Emoit Omuse, Departmental Point Person, working with Dr. Simon Omare, Regional Coordinator. The academic sessions were facilitated by Dr. Lencer Ndede and Prof. Donald Otieno.
As part of the follow-up, Dr. Omuse will coordinate continued departmental engagement, including faculty participation in the BioCosmos Africa Course, membership of BioCosmos Kenya and exploration of collaborative research opportunities.
1.5 Looking Ahead
BioCosmos Kenya will continue working with the University of Eldoret and other institutions of higher learning to create platforms for scholarly discussion, research, faculty development and critical inquiry into questions of science, origins and biological complexity.
The UoE workshop represents another important step in expanding sustained academic engagement with Intelligent Design across Kenyan universities.
