By John Majau
The ministry of Education, Science and Technology has commended Meru University of Science and Technology for developing five innovations that so far act as a catalyst towards research and innovation to provide new opportunities and solve societal problems.
Speaking during the first Meru University of Science and Technology International Research and Innovation conference recently, University Education and Research PS Simon Nabukwesi lauded the university management for setting high standards in innovations and research by seizing and implementing ideas whenever they crop up. He recognized the latest discovery, a device to help blind people conduct their activities with ease.
Expressing government commitment to support research initiatives for economic growth, the PS said scholars determine the quality of the population in a country.
“When people are not active anywhere or do not achieve anything in research, academic development and innovation, then the country is on its deathbed. However, when they are active, featuring and participating in research, then the country is on the right track,” said Nabukwesi.
He further also lauded the university for rewarding the best students.
“They have internalized the idea of capacity building by identifying undergraduate students who get first and second class honors and are smart in class. Sponsoring these students through graduate programmes provides the best resource persons, researchers and lecturers in the university,” said the PS.
Among its other discoveries made is the competence network for e-inclusion and assistive technologies, which enables physically-challenged students to learn with ease. The technology was developed in partnership with Machakos and Murang’a universities.
The institution has also developed a sanitary pad dispenser and incinerator for ease of access and disposal by adolescent women.
Other innovations include a brooder which boosts production, reduces wastage and increases survival of chicks.
The university is also researching on camel milk value addition for a more nutritious, enriching and healthy product.
The PS urged Kenyans to be patriotic and loyal to their nation through valuable partnership.
He termed such conferences as good for sharing ideas, training and empowering others for human development.
