Egerton VC Isaac Kibwage Champions Innovation and Entrepreneurship at National Forum

Egerton University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, joined other university leaders at a national innovation forum hosted by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA). 

The gathering brought together 14 Vice Chancellors already in the Entrepreneurial Leadership Training Program (ELTP) and 11 new ones joining the third phase.

Prof. Kibwage pitched innovations from Egerton University that are set for commercialization. Among them is the University’s extensive work in cassava research and development. This includes improved farming practices, new cassava varieties, and value-added products. 

The university is exploring cassava’s potential beyond food, including processing it into wine and other industrial products. These efforts aim to create new markets, boost incomes, and improve food security.

The forum featured Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary, State Department for Science, Research and Innovation. He called for stronger university–industry linkages, more innovation funding, and better use of data in shaping national Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) priorities.

KeNIA CEO Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa addressed the meeting. He leads national efforts to grow and manage Kenya’s innovation ecosystem. He emphasized leadership in building entrepreneurial universities and urged support for innovators through strong commercialization systems.

A major highlight was the signing of an Operational Alliance Strategy between KeNIA and the British Council. The agreement will help the 11 new institutions build capacity and establish Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) to move research into the market.

Prof. Kibwage also showcased Chelalang Seeds as a flagship Egerton innovation already benefiting farmers through access to quality seed varieties.

The ELTP program, supported by the British Council and the RISA Fund, aims to make universities central drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship. Egerton University is firmly aligned with this vision.

By Kurian Musa, Communications Officer, Egerton University