Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) is set to become a center of excellence in food security.
The university Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Agong said the institution was reviewing its five-year strategic plan to help meet the objective.
He said the plan involves investing on research which will lead to innovation in alternative sources of food.
“The plan also encompasses outreach programmes in which the university will support the community in promoting food security,” he said.
Speaking during the university’s consultative meeting in Homa Bay town Monday, the VC said the institution of higher learning is committed to inventing alternative sources of food.
“We are reviewing this strategic plan to enable us solve the main problem of food insecurity. We are soon completing review of the plan,” said Prof. Agong, adding that time had come for Kenyans to start thinking of alternative food sources to enhance food security in the country.
At the same time, he urged researchers to be committed in addressing livelihood of rural dwellers through science and technology.
The VC also said institutions must align their programs to promote the competency based curriculum whose implementation was ongoing.
Prof. Agong’ urged students who did not qualify to join universities to enroll in technical and vocational training institutions to acquire practical skills so as to become self-reliant.
By Davis Langat and Naomi Wadende
