In the serene setting of the Nessuit conference hall, nestled within the ARC Hotel, Onyango Opondo finds himself at the forefront of academic discourse. As he prepares to delve into his topic on policy practices for food security, Opondo, a Master of Research in Public Policy student at the Faculty of Education and Community Development, Egerton University reflects on the journey that brought him here.
"The conference theme on Innovative Solutions for the 21st Century," Opondo remarks. "As someone deeply committed to proposing robust solutions on food (in)security, one of the most challenging problems of our time, this was an opportunity I couldn't miss." His initial discovery of the conference came through the University website, igniting a spark that would lead to his active participation.
Opondo's journey began with the submission of an abstract, a process rooted in a term paper from a previous semester. "My lecturer, Prof. Ngigi, played a pivotal role in shaping my direction," Opondo acknowledges. "With her guidance, I transformed my term paper into a conference paper, laying the foundation for my contribution. Prof. Ngigi was the guiding light, giving me the sign posts and helping to keep the focus."
Left to Right: Opondo Edwin Onyango, Prosper Nzoyishemeza, Glorious Jesang, Anicet Bucumi, Musa Kurian and Maxwell Ochen are Master of Research and Public Policy student who participated in the 15th Biennial Conference of Egerton University 2024 held at ARC Hotel.
Engaging with the editorial team, Opondo meticulously refined his submission, guided by their feedback. As the day of his presentation approached, a sense of anticipation mingled with a profound sense of purpose. "It was the culmination of relentless effort and preparation," Opondo recalls. "This presentation was more than just an academic exercise; it was an opportunity to disseminate crucial findings."
For Opondo, stepping onto the conference stage for the first time was a significant milestone. "Being among seasoned presenters was both daunting and inspiring," he admits. "Yet, amidst the esteemed company, I found a platform to advocate for food security, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of equitable access enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution."
During his presentation, Opondo seized the opportunity to educate his audience on the multifaceted nature of food security. "From availability to stability and nutrient compositions, each aspect is integral," he emphasizes. "Preparation proved to be paramount, as the conference setting demands agility in responding to inquiries and feedback."
Reflecting on his overall experience, Opondo expresses gratitude for the insights gained and the connections forged. "The conference was an eye-opening experience," he declares. "It reinforced my commitment to research and advocacy, while offering invaluable opportunities for learning and networking."
As Opondo's journey continues beyond the conference halls, his dedication to food security advocacy remains unwavering. With each step forward, he carries with him the conviction that equitable access to food is not just a goal but a fundamental right for all.
