On 23 October 2024, the Central University of Technology (CUT) Library and Information Services celebrated International Open Access Week under the theme "Community over Commercialization: Reclaiming Academic Autonomy." The event aimed to highlight the need to prioritise open scholarship approaches that benefit both the public and academic communities. This served as a platform for discussion on how Open Access (OA) empowers researchers globally by providing access to essential information needed to tackle pressing issues.

Open Access Week is an invaluable chance to connect the global momentum toward the open sharing of knowledge with the advancement of policy changes and the importance of social issues affecting people around the world.

Prof. Muthoni Masinde, Dean of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBIT) who was honoured for surpassing 1000 citations, highlighted the importance of Open Access (OA) in enhancing research visibility and impact. She reflected on her personal journey, noting how OA platforms have contributed to the success of her ITIKI project. “For my journey, Open Access has been indispensable. My research, particularly through the ITIKI project, has benefited immensely from Open Access’s reach. My work garnered attention worldwide largely due to its availability on open platforms,” she said.

Prof. Masinde encouraged researchers and institutions to consider the broader impact of OA on the academic world and beyond. She explained, “By adopting OA, we can reclaim autonomy over our scholarly output and foster a more inclusive scientific dialogue.” She also highlighted the financial benefits, adding that OA eliminates costly journal subscriptions, making it more affordable for researchers and institutions.

Furthermore, she urged the academic community to embrace Open Access for the long-term benefits it offers. “Open Access is more than just an alternative publishing model. It is a commitment to the global dissemination of knowledge. OA empowers researchers across the globe by providing access to crucial information necessary to address pressing global issues such as climate change and sustainability,” she concluded.