Egerton University recently hosted a significant peer-to-peer assessment exercise led by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA). The review was conducted by a team from Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DEKUT), showcasing impressive developments and improvements at Egerton University.
The assessment results were disseminated during a courtesy call by the KENIA delegation. This meeting included DEKUT representatives led by Dr. Wakiru James and Egerton University researchers headed by Director of Research and Extension, Prof. Nancy Mungai. Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage was briefed on the positive outcomes of the evaluation.
“I am impressed by the improvements that we are making and in the next evaluation, I look forward to the University reaching the next level,” said Professor Kibwage.
The assessment exercise involved six constructs touching on leadership, governance, and funding (LGF), infrastructure, human capital (about technology transfer), policies and strategies, entrepreneurial education, and alumnae association and linkages. The leadership, governance, and funding construct addressed twelve strategic questions regarding university governance, financial support for innovations, and the Vice Chancellor's direct involvement in these activities. Prof. Kibwage detailed his extensive participation in fostering innovation, highlighting his role as a founding member of Kenya National Entrepreneurial Institutions Leaders (KNEIL) an innovation forum and his commitment to supporting and financing innovation initiatives at Egerton University.
Egerton University has revived the innovation fund, managed by the Directorate of Research and Extension. This fund benefited four staff in the last financial year, demonstrating the university's commitment to nurturing innovative talent. The Intellectual Property Office (Egerton University Appoints Dr. Winfred Mueni Mulwa as Intellectual Property Officer) and Intellectual Property Management and Publications Committee were established in May 2023 to support the innovation pipeline at Egerton University
One key document evaluated was Egerton University's Intellectual Property Rights Policy (IPRP). The IPRP aims to create an enabling environment that recognizes and values creativity and innovation, assisting in translating them into commercially viable products, processes, and services that benefit the university and its stakeholders.
The Agro-Science Park, led by Director Prof. Paul Kimurto, is a standout feature of Egerton University's innovation ecosystem. This Park serves as an incubation ground for innovations, and has generated several commercialized products; notably bean, groundnut, and sorghum seeds. When fully operational, the Agro-science Park will be part of the larger Lord Egerton Agri-City, a project supported by the national government and Nakuru County. An Export Processing Zone (EPZ) adjacent to the Science Park will facilitate the market readiness of goods intended for export, aligning with government policies on industrialization and value addition to agricultural produce.
The peer-to-peer assessment revealed that Egerton University scored well, underscoring its strong foundation in supporting government policies for industrialization, agricultural value addition, and startup growth. This evaluation is part of KENIA's broader mission to address challenges in technology transfer and commercialization in Kenya, ensuring the country reaps significant returns from its investments in research and development (R&D).
In the past, KENIA noted a challenge in Kenyan universities; the absence of a national Intellectual Property (IP) management policy and a framework for academia-industry collaboration. However, Egerton University has developed this document to address the gap in enhancing the effectiveness of technology transfer and commercialization efforts.
Despite limited government funding for research, Egerton University continues to invest robustly in R&D, with substantial support from grants and donor-funded projects and programs with specific expected outcomes. This commitment to research and innovation is critical for transforming ideas into practical realities, be it products, processes, or services.
The assessment exercise at Egerton University highlights the institution's dedication to fostering a conducive environment for innovation and its active role in driving technological and commercial advancements. With continued support and strategic initiatives, Egerton University is well-positioned to contribute significantly to Kenya's innovation landscape and economic growth.
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Edited by: Prof. Nany Mungai, PhD.
Director of Research and Extension.
Egerton University
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