Egerton University recently hosted a significant peer-to-peer assessment exercise led by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA). The review was conducted by a team from Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DEKUT), showcasing impressive developments and improvements at Egerton University.
The assessment results were disseminated during a courtesy call by the KENIA delegation. This meeting included DEKUT representatives led by Dr. Wakiru James and Egerton University researchers headed by Director of Research and Extension, Prof. Nancy Mugai. Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage was briefed on the positive outcomes of the evaluation.
“I am impressed by the improvements that we are making and in the next evaluation, I look forward to the University reaching the next level,” said Professor Kibwage.
The assessment exercise involved addressing twelve strategic questions regarding university governance, innovations, financial support for innovations, and the Vice Chancellor's direct involvement in these activities. Prof. Kibwage detailed his extensive involvement in fostering innovation, highlighting his role as a founding member of an innovation forum and his commitment to supporting and financing innovation initiatives at Egerton University.
Egerton University has established a dedicated fund to support innovations annually, managed by the Directorate of Research and Innovation under Technology Transfer Officer Dr. Winfred Mulwa. This fund benefited four students in the last financial year, demonstrating the university's commitment to nurturing innovative talent.
One key document evaluated was Egerton University's Intellectual Property Rights Policy (IPRP). The IPRP aims to create an enabling environment that recognizes and values creativity and innovation, assisting in translating them into commercially viable products, processes, and services that benefit the university and its stakeholders.
A standout feature of Egerton University's innovation ecosystem is the Agro-Science Park, led by Director Prof. Paul Kimurto. This park serves as an incubation ground for innovations, housing technology labs and fabrication labs equipped with tools and equipment for innovators. When fully operational, the Science Park will be part of the larger Lord Egerton Agri-City, a project supported by the national government and Nakuru County. An Export Processing Zone (EPZ) adjacent to the Science Park will facilitate the market readiness of goods intended for export, aligning with government policies on industrialization and value addition to agricultural produce.
The peer-to-peer assessment revealed that Egerton University scored well, underscoring its strong foundation in supporting government policies for industrialization, agricultural value addition, and startup growth. This evaluation is part of KENIA's broader mission to address challenges in technology transfer and commercialization in Kenya, ensuring the country reaps significant returns from its investments in research and development (R&D).
In the past, KENIA noted a challenge in Kenyan universities; the absence of a national Intellectual Property (IP) management policy and a framework for academia-industry collaboration. However, Egerton University has developed this document to enable addressing the gap for enhancing the effectiveness of technology transfer and commercialization efforts.
Despite limited government funding for research, Egerton University continues to invest robustly in R&D, with substantial support from grants and donor-funded projects and programs with specific expected outcomes. This commitment to research and innovation is critical for transforming ideas into practical realities, be it products, processes, or services.
The assessment exercise at Egerton University highlights the institution's dedication to fostering a conducive environment for innovation and its active role in driving technological and commercial advancements. With continued support and strategic initiatives, Egerton University is well-positioned to contribute significantly to Kenya's innovation landscape and economic growth.
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