Joel Otieno, Programme Manager for XCEPT at the Rift Valley Institute, shares how the initiative supports local researchers from concept to final product. At its core, XCEPT is about surfacing local knowledge and equipping researchers with the tools to inform both local and national-level interventions.

He explains that while XCEPT is a research programme, it moves beyond traditional academic models. The work focuses on practical contributions to development, peacebuilding and humanitarian action, particularly in South Sudan. Otieno highlights the value of working closely with communities and stakeholders to ensure the evidence reflects lived realities.

Speaking at a recent workshop, Otieno reflects on how the programme has drawn strong engagement from embassies, UN bodies and other actors. These spaces create opportunities for knowledge exchange, policy influence and stronger alignment between local insights and global responses to conflict and displacement.