The ACEII National Steering Committee was Monday, February 6, 2023 chaired by PS Higher Education Dr. Beatrice Inyangala with Partners representatives and stakeholders sitting at Arc Hotel, Egerton University.
The address by the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research during the CESAAM briefing progress by the Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence (ACEII) program was a major event on February 6, 2023.
In her address, PS Inyangala commended the efforts of the CESAAM center and noted the important role that higher education centers of excellence play in promoting innovation, research, and development. She stressed the importance of collaboration between universities, government agencies, and private sector organizations to address the complex challenges facing the region. Nonetheless, Dr. Inyangala’s insights during the CESAAM briefing were a significant event that showcased the progress made by the Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence (ACEII) programme.
“This meeting is a clear demonstration of the commitment of all parties to address the challenges facing the region and to work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future. The progress made by the CESAAM center is a positive step towards achieving these goals, and it is clear that the center will continue to play an important role in shaping the future of the region,” Dr. Inyangala stated.
The meeting was attended by a number of high-level officials, it brought together 3 Chief Executive Officers of leading state parastatals in the Education Sector, and 3 Vice Chancellors from the leading Universities in the Country; Egerton University, Moi University and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Science and Technology University. The National Research Fund (NRF) was led by Prof. Dickson M. Andala, PhD, the Commission of University Education (CUE) was led by Prof. Mike Kuria Commission Secretary/Ceo, and the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation. (NACOSTI) was led by Prof. Walter O. Oyawa Ph.D. Director General/Ceo. On the other hand, Moi University delegation was led by Vice-chancellor Prof. Chancellor Isaac Kosgey Ph.D., Egerton University was led by Vice-chancellor Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage PhD, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga of Science and Technology was led by Vice-chancellor Prof. Stephen Agong’ PhD.
Egerton University Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage thanked PS Inyangala for taking the time to attend the meeting, despite her busy schedule at the national level of government. He praised the efforts of the CESAAM center in working to address the challenges facing the region and praised the progress made thus far.
Prof Kibwage stated that Egerton University CESAAM has been making great strides in promoting higher education and research in the field of agriculture and food security. As part of its efforts, the center has approved a number of programs in two broad areas, including 10 PhD programs and 12 MSc programs. These programs are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the latest research and innovation in the field, and to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to tackle the challenges facing the region.
The CESAAM briefing was led by Professor Owuor of Egerton University, who reported on the various successes of the CESAAM center. Among the highlights was the construction of a CESAAM building, which will serve as a hub for conferences, funded projects, short courses, and a community call center.
Despite these successes, Professor Owuor noted that food insecurity and persistent hunger are still major challenges in the region. Youth unemployment is another pressing issue. To address these challenges, the center has set a vision of becoming a hub for Agri-innovations, agribusiness, climate-smart research, training, and technology transfer. The center's mission is to produce highly trained human capacity and Agri-innovative products.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the government, academia, and the private sector, who shared their experiences and insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the region. The efforts of the CESAAM center serve as a model for other higher education institutions, and it is clear that this type of collaboration will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges facing the region in the years to come.
Under the theme of livestock feed systems, the center is offering a program that is undergoing international accreditation. This program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the latest research and innovations in the field of livestock feed systems, including the use of new technologies and materials. The program will also explore the economic, social, and environmental impacts of these systems, and will equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about the development and implementation of these systems.
The theme of crop improvement and protection is also well represented, with a program that has been benchmarked against similar programs at Virginia Tech in the United States. This program will explore the latest advances in crop improvement and protection, including the use of new technologies and methods. Students will learn about the science behind crop improvement and protection, as well as the economic, social, and environmental impacts of these efforts.
In addition to these programs, the center is also offering programs in rural innovations, food safety, value addition, agribusiness and Agri-entrepreneurship, and Agri-engineering and fabrication. These programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key issues and challenges facing the region and to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to tackle these challenges.
The Deputy Vice-chancellor of Administration Planning and Development Prof Richard Mulwa, The Deputy Vice-chancellor of Academic Affairs Prof Benard Aduda, Director Board of Postgraduate Studies Prof Ogendi Morara, the Director of International Linkages Prof Charles M'erimba, the Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization DOUBLING as the Director Agro-Science Park Professor Paul Kimurto, Director Time tabling Prof Obwoyere attended the meeting.
Mr Musa Kurian is a Communication
Officer at the Directorate of Marketing and
Resource Mobilization, Egerton University.
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