Telemedicine and bio-pesticide innovations earn MKU 2019 accolades ¶
Mount Kenya University (MKU) received national recognition in 2019 for healthcare and agricultural innovations addressing Kenya's socio-economic challenges. The university's telemedicine platform for neonatal care in Bungoma County and a bio-pesticide developed by scientist Donatus Njoroge were highlighted as key achievements.
The telemedicine application, launched in 2019, connects remote clinics to specialist consultants, reducing the need for patients to travel to urban centers. This initiative supports Kenya's Big Four agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bungoma County now hosts eight newly equipped newborn care units developed through MKU's partnership with local health authorities.
Dr. Jesse Gitaka, a neonatal care specialist, noted Bungoma's facilities now rank among Kenya's best for newborn treatment. Meanwhile, Njoroge's 'Molepse Bio-resources' bio-pesticide won awards in 2017 and 2018, including the East Africa Post-Harvest Technologies award and recognition at the Africa Innovation Summit.
Collaborative research with the University of Edinburgh on precision medicine for breast cancer diagnosis received funding from a UK-based grant. This project builds on earlier work supported by Kenya's National Research Fund.
Prof. Francis W. Muregi, MKU's Research Director, emphasized the university's focus on community-driven projects aligned with Kenya Vision 2030 and global development frameworks. "Our research activities are deliberately designed to address national and global challenges," he stated.
