By James Wakahiu
Top education scholars drawn from both public and private universities have urged varsity students to come up with viable innovations than can be commercialised and create business opportunities.
The appeal was made by the speakers during the inaugural Zetech University International Research Conference that took place at its main campus recently.
The event saw scholars discuss the need to promote innovation in business, IT and entrepreneurship.
The forum was organised in collaboration with Research Acies Publications that highlights the commitment of the University to expand its research and extensions portfolio to ensure learners benefit from a rich campus experience.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene noted that research plays a significant role in developing effective academic systems, driving the university’s plans to establish research-based training for students and faculty experience,
“Ideas bring people together. Our first research conference created a platform for the exchange of ideas that address the critical role innovation plays in advancing education, IT and business.” said Prof. Munene in a statement
He further called on the scholars to ensure their research findings develop into practical solutions for the country and urged students to think differently so as to make the most of the university education.
The two day conference addressed challenges in the area of research and collaboration, with participants reflecting on issues such as inadequate funding and infrastructure for research and the need to generate findings that can influence policy and inform national decisions.
Commenting on the way forward from the research session, Dr. Alice Njuguna, DVC, Academics, Research and Extension at Zetech University highlighted the need to bridge the gap between varsities and governing bodies in the country, especially in the area of education, innovation and research.
“It is important that varsities collaborate with entities such as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of ICT, CUE and institutions such as KEMRI to promote innovation in research and patenting of ideas birthed by Kenyan researchers.” Dr. Njuguna said.
In his key note address titled Promoting Entrepreneurial Innovation in Kenya’s Higher learning Institutions, JKUAT Professor Henry Bwisa addressed the need to enforce the application of better solutions to solving existing problems, as well as promote students and faculty innovation.
He highlighted that few university dons engage in research and a small number of researchers’ commercialize their output, calling on the scholars to seek partnerships that can ensure their findings bear fruit.
