In a spectacular and courageous triumph of vision and purpose, Kisii University proudly hosted the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Ogamba, EBS, as he presided over the historic tripartite launch of the HERI Africa Research Program, the HERI Africa Research Offices at Kisii University, and the National Economic Research Agenda. This landmark moment was more than a ceremonial unveiling, it was a bold declaration of Africa,s intellectual sovereignty. It signalled a future where African scholars define priorities, generate knowledge, and shape solutions rooted in our realities and aspirations. By opening its doors to HERI Africa and aligning with forward-looking partners, Kisii University stands firmly at the frontier of transformative scholarship, championing a new era where African researchers drive African research for African prosperity. Today, we did not simply host an event; we embraced a vision. And in that vision lies the promise of innovation, economic empowerment, and a continent confidently charting its own course.