Egerton University, under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage, actively participated in the Kenya Innovation Week 2023, marked by the hashtag #KIW2023. The university delegation, headed by Prof. Kibwage, joined other delegates from prominent institutions, converging for the innovation summit officially inaugurated by His Excellency the President, Dr. William Ruto.
President Ruto, acknowledging the pivotal role of universities, especially in fostering innovation, highlighted their significance as the crucible for groundbreaking ideas. He emphasized that the pursuit of innovation aligns seamlessly with Egerton University's strategic plan, which seeks to leverage innovative endeavors for job creation, in accordance with the national policies championed by the President. The event was also graced by the Commonwealth leaders, officials, business and academic representatives under the theme: 'Innovating to Unlock Our Common Wealth'. Led by Common Wealth Secretary Ms. Patricia Scotland.
As one of the Vice Chancellors representing leading universities in Kenya and the Commonwealth, Prof. Kibwage, also a Council Member of Entrepreneurial Universities at the Kenya Innovation Agency actively engaged in the two-day event. His primary objective was to explore the diverse spectrum of innovations showcased by participants across various sectors. Moving from one exhibition booth to another, Prof. Kibwage engaged in meaningful conversations, seeking potential collaborations and partnerships that could further advance the innovation agenda.
Accompanying the Vice Chancellor were Prof. Paul Kimurto, the Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization, and Agro-Science Park, along with Prof. Nancy Mungai, the Director for Research and Extension and Dr. John Nduko, Associate Dean of the faculty of agriculture. Both Prof. Kimurto and Prof. Mungai are recognized innovation champions within the Kenya Innovation Agency from Egerton University.
In a sideline discussion, Prof. Kibwage expressed the university's commitment to supporting start-ups in the commercialization stage by providing them with opportunities to set up at the Egerton Agro-Science Park. Additionally, he highlighted the f the County Agricultural Industrial Park (CAIP) that caters to the Rift-Valley region, providing a platform for innovators and start-ups.
"We can be accelerators to innovations by those start-ups that are on commercialization stage coming to the Egerton Agro-Science Park to set up.
Egerton University took the opportunity during the Innovation Week to showcase a range of innovations, including those from the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness Management (CESAAM), funded by the World Bank. Students presented innovations under the 'Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development’ (TAGDev), a partnership program between the Mastercard Foundation and the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM). The university's flagship project, the Agro-Science Park, was also a focal point for showcasing innovations, featuring new varieties of groundnuts, and beans, and honey, all stemming from students' innovative approaches.
Prof. Kimurto expressed optimism about the progress made, stating, "We are making progress. I believe that we need all faculties of the University coming to exhibit come next year." This sentiment reflects the university's commitment to continually expanding its presence and contributions in the innovation landscape.
Director of Research and Extension, Prof. Nancy Mungai, who also serves as TAGDEV Coordinator, expressed satisfaction with hosting student innovators. She particularly commended the high school students for presenting innovations of a remarkably high caliber, showcasing the depth and breadth of innovative thinking among the younger generation.
The active participation of Egerton University in the Kenya Innovation Week 2023 underscores its dedication to fostering innovation, creating synergies, and contributing meaningfully to the national and regional innovation ecosystem. As the university continues to champion innovation, it envisions a future where its diverse faculties actively engage in showcasing their contributions to the ever-evolving landscape of research and development.
By Kurian Musa
Communications Officer
Egerton University
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