(Advertorial)
By Tindi Kuchio
Chuka University is currently putting up a multi-billion Science and Technology Research Park, which will be the hub of research and incubation of innovation by scientists from around the region and internationally.
Speaking to Education News in his office recently, the institution’s outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Erastus Njoka underscored the importance of research saying it was part of graduate training which gives impetus to innovation resulting in creation, dissemination and application of new knowledge.
“The ultra-modern multi-billion Park is the first ever in Kenya and East Africa. Once complete, it will be a perfect benchmark for other players who wish to set up technology parks,” said Prof. Njoka.
He noted that the Ksh. 4 billion project will propel the university to undertake commercialization of research while at the same time create entrepreneurial culture in Kenyan universities.
“Research has revealed that most students want to learn skills that will help them create start-ups, social entrepreneurship and other ventures on their own. The Science Park project will support start-ups and business ideas development by Kenyan youth to encourage job creation,” revealed the university administrator.
Prof. Njoka further explained that the Park will be a game changer in the East African region since it will be devoted to conducting cutting-edge research and innovations by renowned scholars from the country and beyond.
He added that industrialists will be eligible to hire spaces in the complex for developing prototypes and testing invented products.
Prof. Njoka further noted that the Park will also help the university develop its niche in the environmental and renewable energy development to contribute to solving emerging challenges such as pandemics that are adversely affecting humanity.
He said the university was aware of the devastating effects of environmental degradation and the attendant climate change, a development that had made it to position itself as a centre of excellence in environmental conservation and renewable energy through various corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The top scholar revealed that the university launched the annual tree planting exercise in 2019 during which time 200, 000 seedlings were distributed and planted in Tharaka Nithi, Meru and Embu counties.
He further revealed that an additional 500, 000 tree seedlings were planted in schools and public lands in the neighbouring community in 2020 adding that the university intends to donate over 700, 000 tree seedlings to the community this year.
The vice-chancellor noted that the university had set very high standards to ensure that the quality of training offered to its students is maintained at all levels.
“Our academic programmes are tailored to the needs of the economy. By roping in the community, industrialists and other stakeholders when developing the curricula, we ensure that our academic programmes are relevant, diverse and demand driven,” explained Njoka.
Since its inception in August 2005 with a paltry 24 students, the university has graduated over 20,000 graduates and boasts a total of over 240 academic programmes cutting across certificate, diploma, bachelors, masters and doctoral programmes.
