21 April 2026 | School of Science, Department of Biology | Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
BioCosmos Kenya launched its 2026 programme of Departmental Workshops and Academic Forums with an engagement at the Department of Biology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), on 21 April 2026.
The workshop brought together 25 faculty members, representing 83.3% of the targeted participants, for an academic engagement on Intelligent Design and questions surrounding biological complexity, information and the origin of life.
Exploring Intelligent Design in Biology
The workshop introduced faculty members to the vision and programmes of BioCosmos Africa and BioCosmos Kenya, followed by presentations on Intelligent Design as a scientific approach to investigating evidence of intelligent causation in nature.
The discussions focused particularly on biological systems, molecular biology, genetics and the information-rich nature of DNA. Participants were introduced to key concepts and methods associated with Intelligent Design, including:
- Complex Specified Information (CSI);
- Irreducible Complexity;
- The Explanatory Filter;
- The Scientific Method; and
- Abductive Reasoning.
The engagement also examined the distinction between micro-evolution and macro-evolution, generating constructive discussion among faculty members on biological change, information and evolutionary explanations.
Faculty Engagement and Discussion
The workshop provided an interactive platform for faculty members to examine the scientific methodology and scope of Intelligent Design. Participants raised questions concerning biological information, evolutionary theory, design detection and the relationship between scientific inference and philosophical interpretations of origins.
The discussions emphasized the importance of evidence-based inquiry and critical academic engagement in examining questions relating to biological complexity and the origin of life.
Connecting Faculty to BioCosmos Programmes
Participants were also introduced to the BioCosmos Africa online course (Track 1) and guided through the registration and learning process.
The workshop further highlighted opportunities for faculty membership in BioCosmos Kenya and introduced the BioCosmos Africa Research Fund – 2026 Call, encouraging researchers to explore opportunities for collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
Building Continued Institutional Engagement
The workshop established a foundation for continued collaboration between BioCosmos Kenya and the Department of Biology at MMUST.
The engagement was coordinated by Peter Lester, MMUST point person. The scientific sessions were facilitated by Dr. Lencer Ndede and Peter Lester.
As part of the follow-up, the departmental point person will support continued faculty engagement, including encouraging participation in the BioCosmos Africa Course and exploring opportunities under the BioCosmos Africa Research Fund.
BioCosmos Kenya looks forward to strengthening its partnership with Masinde Muliro University through further departmental workshops, academic forums, research collaboration and faculty engagement.
Continuing the Conversation
The MMUST workshop marked an important beginning to BioCosmos Kenya’s 2026 departmental workshop programme, with the organization committed to creating more opportunities for scholars across Kenyan universities to engage critically with questions concerning science, origins, biological information and Intelligent Design.
