Thika: As Mount Kenya University (MKU) gears up for its second annual Research and Innovation Week, students are urging industries and government bodies to recognize and integrate their innovative projects into real-world applications.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event, organized by the university’s committee, aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs. Dr. Henry Yatich, the Committee Chairperson, emphasized the frustration faced by young innovators when their projects, capable of solving current challenges, do not progress beyond the development stage. The upcoming event at the university’s main campus in Thika is designed not only to showcase these innovations but also to foster collaborations that will help translate these ideas into viable products and services.
Dr. Yatich highlighted the importance of aligning academic programs with industry demands to ensure that students gain the practical experience necessary for career success. He also mentioned that stakeholders fr
om various sectors are expected to provide insights into training areas that the university should focus on. This collaborative approach aims to enhance the employability of graduates by directly linking their innovations with industry requirements.
The university, which has been recognized nationally and internationally for its contributions to research and innovation, has established a state-of-the-art research and innovation center. This facility allows students to develop their ideas with guidance from experts. Last year’s highlights included innovations like the value-added manufacture of medicinal bathing soaps from plants grown in the university’s botanical garden, such as aloe vera and bamboo.
The Vice Chancellor of Mount Kenya University, Prof. Daegratious Jaganyi, stated during last year’s event that the university has allocated funds specifically to support student innovations. This move is part of a broader strategy to support the government’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda, aiming to
stimulate economic development through innovative projects.