SPEECH BY THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, STATE DEPARTMENT FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH DR BEATRICE INYANGALA DURING THE 15TH BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Esteemed delegates, distinguished guests, faculty members, and students,

It is with profound gratitude and honour that I stand before you today as the Chief Guest for the 15^th Biennial International Conference, hosted by Egerton University. I extend my sincere appreciation to Egerton University for graciously extending this invitation and for its unwavering commitment to fostering intellectual exchange and academic collaboration.

I extend a warm welcome to all participants, whose collective expertise and passion are essential to the success of this conference. Your contributions to the discourse and exploration of cutting-edge ideas are invaluable as we seek to address the complex challenges facing our world today.

As we convene here, it is imperative to acknowledge the pivotal role of the Kenyan Government in supporting universities in their pursuit of innovation and commercialization. In the face of economic challenges, the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to higher education institutions, recognizing them as catalysts for economic growth and societal advancement.

A notable initiative in this endeavor is the collaboration between the University Funding Board (UFB) and its partners to enhance funding for higher learning institutions. This funding aims to bolster research, innovation, and self-sufficiency, empowering universities to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Furthermore, the UFB is actively facilitating collaborations between universities and industries to ensure that innovations are effectively harnessed and applied to address real-world challenges. By forging strategic partnerships between academia and industry, we can unlock the full potential of innovation to drive sustainable development and prosperity.

In addition to financial support, the Kenyan Government is committed to ensuring access to funding for universities. Recognizing that access to resources is essential for nurturing talent and fostering a vibrant research ecosystem, we remain steadfast in our efforts to provide support and opportunities for growth.

As we embark on this collective journey of knowledge creation and dissemination, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to harnessing the power of education, research, and innovation to build a brighter future for all. Through collaboration and collective action, we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and create a world where knowledge knows no bounds.

In conclusion, I extend my best wishes for productive deliberations and meaningful exchanges throughout the duration of this conference. May our shared pursuit of excellence and innovation pave the way for transformative change and sustainable development.

Thank you.