International Organizations grace Social Work and Social Development Pre-Conference

Participants of the Social Work and Social Development (SWSD) Pre-Conference held at Daystar University's Nairobi Campus.

By Timothy Oiro

[Nairobi, June 24, 2026] The Association of Schools of Social Work in Africa (ASSWA), the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW), and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) were among global and local institutions who attended the prestigious Social Work and Social Development (SWSD) pre-conference held at the Nairobi Campus.

The event, hosted by the Daystar University School of Applied and Human Sciences (SAHS) attracted hundreds of students from training institutions to discuss the evolving landscape of community development, social justice, and professional networking.

Running under the theme, "Connecting Social Work Students to a Sustainable Shared Future,"  the event was graced by notable global leaders, including:

• Mr. Richard Obinga; Assistant Director of Social Development; Ministry of Labor and Socia Protection.
• Prof. David Androff, Global SWSD Conference Coordinator, Professor of Social Work at Arizona State University, USA.
• Prof. Antoneitte Lombard; President International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), University of Pretoria, SA.
• Prof. Hillary N. Weaver; Global Indigenous Commissioner for International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW).
• Prof. Corlie Gilliomee; President Association of Schools of Social Work in Africa (ASSWA).
• Mr. Benjamin Mutie; Africa representative; International Council on Social Welfare; (ICSW); Director of Programs at KISWCD.
• Prof. Janestic Twikirize, Secretary IASSW and Prof. of Social Work at Makerere University, Uganda.
• Ms. Rashmi Pandey, IASSW Executive Officer.
• Prof. Elizabeth Lightfoot, Director of the Arizona State University School of Social Work.
• Prof. David Okech from the University of Georgia.
• Dr. Ajwang Warria from the University of Calgary, Canada.
• Prof. Gidraph G. Wairire

Local higher learning institutions were also heavily represented, with faculty and students coming from the University of Nairobi (UoN), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Moi University, St. Paul’s University, Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology, the Kenya Institute of Social Work, and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Makerere University, Karatina University, Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Kenyatta University (KU) and South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU)

The Dean of the School of Applied and Human Sciences, Dr. Daniel Mutunga, officially welcomed the delegates and extended a special appreciation to students who travelled from various institutions to attend. He emphasized that the gathering was more than just a meeting, but a launchpad for professional growth.

"I believe this gathering serves as a critical platform for dialogue and connection," Dr. Mutunga affirmed, further noting that the theme was exceptionally timely.  He challenged contemporary social workers to rethink how they confront societal injustices and structural challenges.

Following the Dean, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research and Student Affairs (DVC-ARSA), Prof. Samuel Muriithi, who was representing the Vice Chancellor, delivered a profound message on national development.

"The strength of any nation is not measured solely by its economic growth, but by the ultimate wellbeing of its citizens," Prof. Muriithi stated. He underscored the pivotal role that the social work profession continues to play in community development, family stability, healthcare access, education support, and conflict resolution.

The conference benefited from insights from global scholars. Prof. Elizabeth Lightfoot, Director of the Arizona State University School of Social Work, shared how her firsthand experience working in Africa particularly in Namibia, which transformed her perception of the discipline.

"We are deeply interested in making and shaping society," Prof. Lightfoot said. She outlined the core sub-themes of this year's event:

• Reclaiming and reimagining social work.
• Social work and sustainable development.
• Social work in the face of complex global challenges.

She strongly encouraged the attending students to be bold, step out of their comfort zones, and network actively throughout the sessions.

In a powerful keynote address, Prof. David Okech from the University of Georgia presented on "Evidence and Action to End Human Trafficking." His presentation masterfully connected research, education, practice, and advocacy. "For us as social workers, research represents real people, not just data," Prof. Okech challenged the audience. "Our ultimate task as researchers is to make tangible impact in our society."

He further addressed advocacy in the digital age, noting that in the context of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), social workers must counter digital isolation by fiercely advocating for what makes us human: being social and communal.

Offering personal inspiration, Dr. Ajwang Warria from the University of Calgary, Canada, shared her moving academic journey. She recalled starting out exactly where many in the room were, earning her Diploma in Social Work at the University of Nairobi and rising to become a senior scholar and global researcher. "When you have hope, everything is possible," Dr. Warria told the inspired students. "Irrespective of the hurdles you encounter, always keep paying it forward."

Prof. Gidraph G. Wairire provided practical insights for students looking to explore the modern job market, highlighting how students can tap into strategic partnerships and collaborations.

He highlighted two rapidly growing career fields:

1. Community Development Specialists: Working directly with international NGOs and localized community groups.
2. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS): An increasingly vital sector globally.

To successfully step into these roles, Prof. Wairire urged social development students to adopt a growth mindset and build specialized professional competencies, such as trauma-informed care and child protection protocols. He further advised them to learn to work across disciplines, actively build their professional networks, and constantly measure the real-world impact of their interventions.

The pre-conference concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Daniel Mutunga, who expressed his deepest gratitude to the international delegates and local faculty including the HOD, Department of Community Development at Daystar University School of Applied Human Sciences Mrs. Jane Kositany, the students, and the organizing committee whose tireless efforts made the event an outstanding success.

Dean, School of Applied and Human Sciences, Dr. Daniel Mutunga makes his remarks during the Social Work and Social Development (SWSD) Pre-Conference .