The Institute for Development Studies (IDS) teaching, and project staff on Friday, 20^th September 2024 came together to appreciate Prof. Alila, a former director, and staff member at IDS for his excellent service, leadership, and advancement of knowledge in development studies.

Alila was the Institute's Director from 1995 to 2001. He retired in 2014 and exited from teaching duties in 2021. Trained in political science and development administration, he specialises in local level Institutional Development, Rural Development, Poverty and Inequality, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Conflict Processes.

During the celebration held at the United Kenya Club, past directors – Prof. Karuti Kanyinga, and Prof. Mohamud Jama – reflected on the history of IDS, while acknowledging the effort and dedication the past and present leadership has put in to ensure IDS is a premier research institute.

IDS Alumni present showered Prof. Alila with praise, highlighting his strong mentorship qualities and kindness towards all he interacted with.

The institute led by the Director of Research Prof. Paul Kamau, presented various gifts to Prof. Alila, who in his remarks reminisced on his early days at IDS.