Over 40 partners are actively participating in a two-day Research, Innovation, and Digital Agri-Expo hosted at Mount Kenya University (MKU), aimed at devising strategies to mitigate the impacts of a changing environment.
The event was graced by notable figures, including Dr. Calvin Onyango, the Director General of the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), and Geoffrey Monari, the Chief Executive Officer of the Universities Funding Board, alongside various partners and exhibitors.
The Vice-Chancellor of MKU Professor Deogratius Jaganyi emphasized the crucial role of academia and industry collaboration in driving innovations, commercializing research outcomes, fostering knowledge transfer, and achieving mutual value addition.
Prof. Jaganyi highlighted MKU’s initiative to cultivate medicinal plants, yielding innovative products such as bathing soap infused with aloe vera and bamboo extracts.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of research and innovation in economic development, the VC stressed the need for a robust synergy between academia and industry to promote socio-economic growth.
He outlined the diverse sectors—banks, schools, hotels, construction sites, farmers, hospitals, transport, ICT, and more—as key players in this collaborative effort.
While advocating for increased government funding for research and innovation, Prof. Jaganyi noted that the current allocation stands at a modest 2 percent.
Dr. Onyango from KIRDI shared insights into their collaborative programs with universities, emphasizing the importance of information sharing and establishing linkages between young innovators and the industrial market.
He highlighted KIRDI’s role in offering incubation services, enabling students to use facilities and gain the confidence to enter the market and create job opportunities.
Geoffrey Monari, representing the Funding Board, announced partnerships with donors to financially support innovators addressing climate change, food security, and health challenges.
Monari underscored the importance of bolstering financial support for innovators, emphasizing the newfound focus on making universities more entrepreneurial.
The Expo is set to conclude today, November 24th.
By James Wakahiu
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