Omuthiya and Tsumeb Municipalities Initiate Programs to Alleviate UnemploymentUniversity Funding Board Aims to Amplify Innovation Support in Higher Education

OMUTHIYA – The Omuthiya Town Council (OTC) has initiated a program to create a job seeker database, registering 168 unemployed residents within the town’s boundaries. OTC spokesperson Ottilie Shingenge explained that this registry will facilitate temporary employment opportunities for tasks like cleaning and beautification of the town.
According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), aims to provide employment on a first-come, first-served basis. Similarly, the Tsumeb Municipality has been addressing youth unemployment, having recorded over 4,000 job seekers in the last two years. Tsumeb’s spokesperson, Stella Nangolo, detailed their approach of employing locals for tasks such as park and cemetery maintenance and providing contract workers to companies like Dundee. Nangolo highlighted the challenge of managing expectations from non-residents seeking employment, leading to a shift in their strategy to directly recruit unemployed individuals for temporary contract work in specific Tsumeb locations.

Thika, Kenya: In an effort to enhance research and innovation within higher learning institutions, the University Funding Board is actively seeking to augment the financial support provided to universities. This initiative is seen as a pivotal step towards achieving greater self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial growth in academic environments, particularly in the face of current economic challenges.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Chief Executive Officer of the University Funding Board, the current annual allocation of 2% of the universities’ budget is insufficient in light of the significant innovations being made by students and researchers. Monari emphasized the board’s commitment to establishing connections with various multilateral partners to increase funding. This approach is expected to open new avenues for universities, enabling them to capitalize on these opportunities and focus more on entrepreneurial and innovative endeavors.

Monari highlighted the importance of transitioning from traditional teaching and learning methods to more entrepreneurial models in universities. He noted that this transformation is feasible through enhanced research and innovation, areas in which the board intends to continue its support through funding and partnerships.

During an innovation expo held at Mount Kenya University in Thika, Monari also touched upon the government’s interest in educating students about the commercialization of their innovations. Plans are underway to establish linkages between universities and industries to facilitate the absorption of these innovations into the market.

The event, which took place yesterday, was attended by notable figures including Dr. Calvin Onyango, the Director General of the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), and Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, the Vice-Chancellor of Mount Kenya University. Dr. Onyango announced KIRDI’s commitment to partnering with universities to promote information exchange and connect young innovators with the industrial sector, offering incubation services to aid in student development and job creation.

Prof. Jaganyi underscored the significance of research and innovation as key drivers of economic development. He stressed the necessity of a strong collaboration between academia and industry for achieving socio-economic progress. He urged the funding board to consider increasing their financial support for research and innovation, recognizing the high costs associated with these endeavors.