Egerton University reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), the Kenya Network of Entrepreneurial Institutional Leaders (KNEIL), and the East Africa Venture Capital Association (EAVCA). The signing ceremony was a key highlight of the Kenya Innovation Week 2024 – Africa Edition, held in Nairobi.
Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Kibwage also led the University in the signing of the Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Commercialization masterplan with the Kenya National Innovation Agency and the award of the Entrepreneurial Leaders Training Program (ELTP) during the Kenya Innovation Week 2024-Africa Edition.
The event brought together top government officials, university leaders, and innovation stakeholders. Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, represented by a senior official, presided over the ceremony alongside Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy Eng. John Tanui, MBS, and Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs Mr. Ismail Maalin Madey. Their presence underscored the government’s dedication to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship in Kenyan universities.
The Vice Chancellor of Egerton University, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, led the university’s delegation during the signing. The Masterplans aligns with Egerton’s strategic vision to translate academic research and innovation into tangible solutions for economic and societal challenges.
It was a moment of graduation for the 14 Vice chancellors as they received their certificates. “Congratulations as you graduate through this programme. Like any other success, it takes dedication and determination to achieve this,” said PS Youth affairs Maalim Madey.
Building Synergies for Innovation
The MOU signing comes as part of a broader effort to implement the Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Commercialization Masterplan. This initiative, driven by KeNIA, is designed to streamline innovation processes, strengthen institutional intellectual property frameworks, and cultivate entrepreneurial ecosystems within universities.
Prof. Kibwage emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“This partnership is a major step toward transforming universities into hubs of innovation. Egerton University is proud to be among the leading institutions committed to advancing entrepreneurship and commercialization of research. Together with KeNIA, KNEIL, and EAVCA, we aim to create a robust innovation ecosystem.”
Role of Principal Secretaries
Dr. Beatrice Inyangala highlighted the critical role of the Principal Secretaries in fostering an enabling environment for innovation
“Higher education institutions are key drivers of innovation, but they require support from policymakers. This MOU ensures that universities receive the technical and financial resources necessary to implement their masterplans and achieve their innovation goals.”
Eng. John Tanui, representing the ICT and Digital Economy, reiterated the government’s focus on leveraging technology for economic growth:
“We are committed to creating digital solutions that empower young innovators. Through partnerships like this, we ensure our universities are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.”
Mr. Ismail Maalin Madey added that the collaboration aligns with the youth empowerment agenda:
“This initiative not only fosters innovation but also opens doors for young entrepreneurs to access resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities.”
Institutional Working Groups (IWGs)
Egerton University’s Institutional Working Group (IWG) comprises members from the Directorate of Research, including Prof. Nancy Mungai, Prof. Paul Kimurto, Dr. Nduko Masani, and Dr. Benard Karanja. The group plays a pivotal role in aligning university policies with the goals of the MOU.
The IWGs will work closely with KeNIA to implement the masterplan, supported by continuous capacity-building programs for Vice Chancellors and other stakeholders.
The Path Forward
As one of the 14 universities onboarded into the Entrepreneurial Leaders Training Program (ELTP), Egerton University is poised to leverage the MOU to drive transformative innovation and entrepreneurship. The partnership ensures that the university remains at the forefront of fostering sustainable development through research commercialization and technology transfer.
For more information, contact:
Kurian Musa
Communications Officer
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
Egerton University
P.O. Box 536-20115, Njoro
Mobile: +254723537167
Office Tel: +254202006065
