Speech By Prof. Isaac O.Kibwage, VC Egerton University, Delivered On Wednesday, 16th August 2023 During The Opening Of The Capacity Building Workshop On Genetic Engineering And Biotechnology Research For African Universities And Research Institutes

Ladies and gentlemen,

A warm and heartfelt welcome to each of you, esteemed participants, as we gather here today for the commencement of the for African Universities and Research Institutions. Your presence here is a testament to your unwavering commitment towards advancing knowledge and innovation in genetic engineering and biotechnology.

I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you for your participation in this crucial event, which bears immense significance for the future of scientific research and development on the African continent. The theme of this workshop underscores the vital importance of harnessing the potential of genetic engineering and biotechnology to address the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.

Let me take a moment to recognise and express our sincerest appreciation to our distinguished guests and speakers, whose invaluable contributions will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and pave the way for groundbreaking insights. A special acknowledgement goes to Dr Banks, Director-General of ICGEB, and Prof. Oyawa, Director-General of NACOSTI, for their tireless efforts in championing the establishment of the ICGEB RRC at Egerton University. The unwavering support of the Kenyan Government in initiating the RRC is a testament to our collective determination to drive progress.

Our heartfelt thanks extend to our keynote speakers, Dr Ramesh Sonti of ICGEB India and Prof. Guio-qing Song of Michigan State University, whose visionary talks will lay the foundation for the following discourse. To all our speakers, including Dr Shams Yazdani of ICGEB India, Dr Benard Kulohoma of IAVI Kenya, Dr Mugiira, CEO of NBA Kenya, Prof. Patrick Okori, Executive Secretary RUFORUM, Prof. Xiue Wang of NAU China, Dr Salome Guchu, Principal Innovations Officer at IUCEA, and Prof. George Owuor of CESAAM Egerton University, we are profoundly grateful for your willingness to share your vast experiences.

Our sincere appreciation also goes to the Alliance for Africa Partnership (AAP) for their support through a grant awarded to Prof. Omolo of Egerton University and Prof. Song of Michigan State University. Your commitment to nurturing collaboration and knowledge-sharing is commendable.

The significance of this Workshop transcends geographical boundaries, as evidenced by the diverse representation from African nations, extending even to countries in Asia like Iran, India and the USA. The enthusiastic registration of over 300 participants from 20 African countries showcases the thirst for knowledge and progress that unites us all.

As we gather here, we stand on the threshold of a transformative moment for Egerton University and the African region. The establishment of the ICGEB RRC represents a beacon of hope for aspiring scientists. The Centre will offer a gateway to cutting-edge research in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Through this initiative, we are not just fostering scientific advancement; we are cultivating for a future where younger generations of researchers will have unprecedented opportunities to contribute to Africa's growth and prosperity. I urge each of you to remain focused and committed as we strive to achieve the objectives set forth for this workshop, particularly concerning the ICGEB RRC.

In conclusion, let us embark on this journey with a collective goal, unwavering enthusiasm and optimism. The collaborative efforts that will emanate from this gathering hold the potential to reshape the landscape of genetic engineering and biotechnology research in Africa. The ideas exchanged, experiences shared, and networks established during this workshop will pave the way for a brighter and more innovative and collaborative future.

Thank you, and let us move forward together in pursuing knowledge and progress.