This archive report was first published on 9 September 2019.
On September 6, 2019, the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Chairman of Council, Prof Paul Kanyari Njuki, called on the government and private sector to support innovation developments in universities to benefit end users and achieve the Big Four Agenda.
Prof Kanyari emphasized that Kenyan universities are endowed with talented and innovative students and staff who dedicate themselves to providing solutions to challenges facing society, but lack the push to actualize their dreams.
Addressing students, staff, and communities at JKUAT's 10th Open Day at the university's main campus in Juja, Prof Kanyari urged the government to help JKUAT fast-track mass production of developed innovations so that they can be available and benefit Kenyans.
"We require support from both public and private sector to hold our young innovators and researchers' hand as they make efforts to surmount challenges that come with industrialization and commercialization of innovations," said Prof. Kanyari.
JKUAT has produced a significant number of innovations from its various fields of training, including agriculture, engineering machinery, chemical, and beauty products, which have secured patents and trademarks from Kenya's intellectual property agency and are ready for commercialization.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, called on stakeholders to identify and adopt beneficial research and innovation outputs offered by JKUAT in solving various challenges facing the society and country.
The Education Cabinet Secretary, Prof George Magoha, lauded JKUAT for its contribution towards innovation development and dissemination in the country, which has helped the country rank high in Africa.
