Bridging Academia and Industry: Egerton University's Students Educational Journey at Kibos Sugar Factory.

Egerton University stands as a beacon of bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering practical experiences for its students beyond the confines of textbooks.

This commitment was vividly demonstrated in the recent culmination of industrial academic visits for third-year students from the Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology at Egerton University.

"Egerton University has kept its efforts in linking academia and research to industry through taking its students to meet experts in the field and practical sessions at workplaces," stated Dr. Benard Oloo, as he reflected on the university's commitment to providing holistic education.

Third-year students from the Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology at Egerton University during this semester's industrial academic visits at Kibos Sugar Factory. (Photo: Dr. Bernard Oloo/ Egerton University)

The recent culmination of this semester's industrial academic visits for third-year students from the Department of Dairy and Food Science and Technology at Egerton University exemplified this dedication. Accompanied by their lecturer, Dr. Benard Oloo, renowned for his multifaceted expertise as an International Researcher-Food Safety, Lecturer, Author, Trainer, Speaker, and Life Coach, according to his profile, the students embarked on an enlightening journey to the Kibos Sugar Factory in Kisumu County.

"I reiterate that there is no better and quicker way for students to translate theory into practical decision-making for shaping their future career than to see it all in practice in products that are impacting lives on a daily basis," emphasized Dr. Oloo, highlighting the transformative power of experiential learning.

Expounding on the intricacies of sugar processing, Dr. Oloo described it as a meticulous process that relies on heavy-duty machinery and high-tech process control. The visit to Kibos Sugar served as a testament to the evolution from humble beginnings to a conglomerate encompassing three additional companies: an alcoholic beverage company, a paper processing company, a fertilizer company, and a power generation company.

Dr. Oloo underscored the significance of the factory's commitment to environmental sustainability through comprehensive waste stream utilization. "They say in jest that literally the only byproduct that leaves Kibos sugar is the 'smoke'," he remarked, highlighting the company's innovative approach to waste management.

A group photo at Kibos Sugar Factory by the third-year students and their Lecturer Dr Bernard Oloo. (Photo: Dr Benard Oloo/Egerton University)

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Oloo extended appreciation to the company management and technicians for their enthusiastic guidance throughout the tour. "We are grateful to the company management and the technicians that guided our tour through their enthusiasm to address all the questions the learners had," he conveyed, acknowledging the pivotal role of practical sessions in linking learners with real-world applications.

As the students concluded their visit to Kibos Sugar Factory, they departed with a newfound appreciation for the interplay between academia and industry. Dr. Oloo's words resonated, serving as a reminder of the invaluable lessons learned beyond the confines of the classroom, shaping the trajectory of their future careers.

By Kurian Musa

Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization

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