Egerton University was among top institutions represented at the CEIL Summit 2025 in Mombasa. The summit ran from 11 to 12 September at PrideInn Paradise.
The University was represented by Prof. Bernard Aduda, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Research and Extension, and Prof. George Owuor, Director of Research.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDjeT7paNyA
The summit, hosted by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), ran under the theme “Transforming our African Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for Sustainable Growth.” It brought together universities, TVETs, industry leaders, government agencies and researchers.
Two graduation ceremonies took place during the summit.
The first featured Deputy Vice Chancellors trained as Champions of their Vision Carriers — the Vice Chancellors — who had earlier undergone the Entrepreneurial Leaders Training Programme (ELTP).
Prof. Aduda was among the DVCs who completed this intensive training and received a certificate.
Egerton Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage had previously completed the ELTP, which equips university leaders to champion innovation, foster entrepreneurial thinking and drive research commercialization in their institutions.
Technology Transfer Officers Trained
The second graduation honored Technology Transfer Officers who completed training under the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) Academy. Prof. Owuor received a certificate for his participation in the programme. Technology Transfer Officers (TTOs) in universities, especially those trained under the KeNIA programmes, play a central role in moving research from the lab to the market.
Discussions at the summit focused on strengthening industry–academia linkages, developing sustainable funding models, and accelerating the commercialization of research. Delegates also showcased practical innovations creating youth employment and tackling socio-economic challenges.
PS for Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak under the Prime Cabinet Secretary docket challenged all learning institutions to embrace innovation early. Participants also explored strategies to ensure sustainability of innovations beyond donor funding, while showcasing practical solutions addressing youth employment and job creation emerging from universities and TVETs.
“If there is any policy that will enable you to jumpstart your innovations and commercialization, I am available. We already have the Start-up Bill; we need to enhance science communication, among other platforms that we co-create to transform this country,” he said.
Prof Shaukat urged learning institutions at all levels to embrace research and innovation as a pathway to socio-economic transformation. He noted that innovation should start from primary school and hailed the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda for supporting research and innovation to grow the economy. “There is a need to immerse learners in research and innovation,” He pointed out.
KeNIA CEO Dr. Tony Omwansa thanked Vice Chancellors and Technology Transfer Officers for championing innovation within their institutions.
Egerton University’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to driving research commercialization, empowering youth, and building an innovation-driven economy.
By Kurian Musa, Communications Officer, Egerton University.
