Universities in Kenya have been urged to carry out research and innovation to address modern challenges bedeviling the country and spur economic growth.
The Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University Chancellor Prof Olive Mugenda while speaking during the institution 16th Graduation ceremony that doubled as the inaugural bi-annual ceremony at the university’s main campus in Ruaraka recently revealed that research and innovation by higher learning institutions will play a pivotal role in job creation while fostering collaboration with industries.
Prof Mugenda, who also doubles as the chairperson Board of Directors at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral (KUTRRH) Hospital, said that for local Universities to continually receive recognition at the global stage, they must accelerate economic transformation through innovation.
She also encouraged collaborations between academia and industry so as to create a robust innovation ecosystem.
“The rest of the country looks up to universities to create the requisite new knowledge that is a major driver of economic growth. It is our duty to come up with data that informs policy formulation. Apart from generating income, innovations get into the market place and offer solutions for longstanding challenges facing the world,” Prof Mugenda said.
The Chancellor added that universities have a crucial role in being the hubs of knowledge and research, as well as breeding grounds for innovation.
Consequently, she quipped that there’s need for institutions of higher learning and industries to collaborate in order to align academic research with industry needs and drive ground breaking discoveries and technological advancements.
Her sentiments were echoed by the Vice Chancellor and CEO Prof Isaiah Wakindiki who revealed that KCA is keen on fostering partnerships and collaborations with industries of various sectors to ensure a smooth transition of graduates from the lecture halls to the world of work through industry driven curriculum development, mentorship programs, internships and job placement forums.
“KCA University is working closely with industries for mentorship of our students and consequent absorption into the job market. This synergy between us and the industry has been resulting in the development of products and services that serve market demands while creating new markets and opportunities,” he said.
READ ALSO:
Kwale’s top KCSE student seeks Ksh490K to pursue medicine at Egerton University
Wakindiki revealed that the university will henceforth be conducting two graduation ceremonies yearly in a bid to fast- track timely completion of students who would have otherwise waited for the traditional end-of-year graduation ceremony.
This, he said, will ensure that graduates enter the job market promptly and provide solutions to the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
The VC also revealed that the University has adopted Generative AI so as to revolutionize university education by enhancing personalization, efficiency and accessibility.
“At KCA University we have re circulated all our programmes to maximize benefits and mitigate potential risks. The top three areas that we have been working on include grading and assessment, enhanced research capabilities and virtual classrooms,” Prof Wakindiki said.
Prof Wakindiki also reiterated that the University through its strategic plan 2024-2028 will majorly focus on excellence in teaching and learning, which will see this University recirculate its teaching and learning processes and programmes to align with the 3 career pathways proposed by the presidential working party on education reforms including Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), Arts & Sports and Social Sciences.
By kamau njoroge
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national new
