Innovation, technology transfer, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration will go a long way in achieving sustainable development in Kenya. Institutions of higher learning, being the fountains of knowledge, have particularly a pivotal role to play in this respect, ensuring synergy with the private sector, and providing critical insights in policy making processes.
These were sentiments by KCIC CEO, Joseph Murabula, when he presided over the 18th JKUAT Scientific, Technological, and Industrialization Conference at the University Main campus on Thursday, 21 March 2024.
The conference was held under the theme “Fostering Quality Training, Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development”, with topics of discussion including agricultural science, information technology, engineering technologies, water, energy, climate change, underscoring the multifaceted approach required for sustainable development. The conference provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore innovative approaches to sustainable development in Kenya and Africa.
In his remarks, Murabula acknowledged the critical role universities play in shaping the future through research, innovative thinking and quality education. He challenged the university to ensure their innovations and knowledge do not remain within their borders, but are translated to society.
“For these innovations to reach their full potential and make a tangible impact, technology transfer must take place, and the innovations must be commercialized and integrated into the fabric of society. It’s a high time that academia redefined success beyond just publishing papers, to seeing their work transform lives and shape industries,” he said.
He also made a passionate case for evidence-informed policy making process, urging universities to ensure their wealth of knowledge and expertise serve as a guiding light for policymakers and for national development agenda.
In echoing his sentiments, JKUAT Chair of Council, Dr. Micah Onsando, challenged researchers, imploring them not to view research and innovation as mere ends in themselves. “A future where innovations blossom into products, fostering employment opportunities, igniting industrialisation and catalyzing widespread commercialization, hence impacting the economy,” he implored.
In walk the talk on collaboration and close working relationships, Murabula extended partnership to the university, pointing to the immense potential and natrural synergy between the mandate of KCIC and that of KCIC.
“As you develop new knowledge, innovations and technologies, KCIC is on standby to take them to the next level, through business incubation and acceleration, financing, access to facilities, just to mention but a few. Moreover, we can achieve so much when we come together, from the spectrum of research, knowledge partnership, policy, to innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship,” he concluded.
