As students from Mount Kenya University (MKU) look forward to showcasing their innovations next week during the institution’s second annual Research and Innovation week, calls have been made to the industry and the government to tap into their products.
Through the event’s organising committee, the students said the innovations have the potential to spark new ventures and innovative products, strengthening the link between research and practical application.
The Committee Chairperson, Dr. Henry Yatich, said sometimes young innovators get frustrated that despite investing time and resources to come up with innovative ideas, the innovations never leave the shelves yet, and some of them are capable of addressing the current challenges.
He said the event that will be held at the university’s main campus in Thika town seeks to not only showcase creative solutions but also foster collaborations between academia, industry, and the government to address real-world challenges.
Speaking during final preparations of the event at the University yesterday, Dr. Yatich said the innovators expect linkages between their work and the industry to be able to earn from their ideas.
“A key focus will be on enhancing partnerships and aligning academic programs with industry needs to equip students with hands-on experience for career success. Stakeholders and the industry will provide hindsight with the university on training areas to focus on, while we expect enhanced linkages with the industry to explore ways to enhance employability of graduates,” he said.
While underscoring the catalyst role innovations play in economic development in the achievement of the government’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (beta), Dr. Yatich called on stakeholders to continue supporting young innovators in their innovation journeys.
Mount Kenya University is regarded among the universities that have over the years come up with top-end innovations and has been feted at both the national and global levels.
It has since opened a state-of-the art research and innovation centre where students can develop their ideas into innovations sometimes through guidance from experts.
During last year’s research and innovation week, students showcased a range of innovations, with the value-added manufacture of bathing soap from a variety of medicinal plants, including aloe vera and bamboo that they have grown in their botanical garden, being the highlight.
The University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Daegratious Jaganyi, speaking during last year’s event, said the institution has set aside a kitty to fund innovations.
By Muoki Charles
