It is the commercialization of research outcomes and innovations that will be a game changer in this country. These were the remarks of Cabinet Secretary of Education Ezekiel Machogu during the 4th Biennial Conference of the Commission for University Education (CUE), which Egerton University made a remarkable presence.
The event, held in Nairobi, brought together key stakeholders from the higher education sector. Among the notable attendees was the Cabinet Secretary of Education, Honorable Ezekiel Ombaki Machogu, who took a keen interest in Egerton University's booth. Here, a team of enthusiastic innovators, PhD, and Masters students proudly presented their groundbreaking agricultural innovations. These included new varieties of potatoes, sorghum, millet, and groundnuts, which have been developed to enhance the seed systems across East Africa. The university's Alumni office also presented the Cabinet Secretary with souvenirs as a token of appreciation for engaging in the conference.
Dr Njue Musa (Centre) guiding the team of exhibitors as he points at the samples at the Egerton booth during the 4th Biennial conference of the Commission for University Education at KICC on June 12,2024. (Photo: Kurian Musa/Egerton University)
During the opening session, CUE Chairman Prof. Chacha Nyaigoti Chacha praised the notable achievements of Public Service Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, who previously worked at the Commission. “We are proud of her having honed her skills in our organization,” said Prof. Chacha. He also challenged universities to continue focusing on research and innovation, particularly in the realm of digital skills. Prof. Nyaigoti expressed happiness when he visted the Egerton University booth. “This is my university; I was here and made great milestones at Egerton!” Prof Nyaigoti exclaimed.
PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala emphasized the government's commitment to fostering research, innovation, and lifelong learning. “The state department is still putting more effort to promote research, innovation, and lifelong learning. The creative and dynamic skills are being fostered to ensure robust innovations in the ever-evolving research ecosystem,” she remarked. She highlighted the conference as a crucial platform to enhance research and encouraged researchers to leverage digital superhighways. “Our commitment is multifaceted to equity and augmenting the prudent use of resources,” she reiterated, referencing Africa Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as guiding frameworks.
Cabinet Secretary Hon. Machogu addressed critical issues affecting the education sector, notably the substantial funding gaps, including pending bills amounting to nearly 70 billion Kenyan shillings. “Funding issues including pending bills almost 70 billion are key items the ministry is embroiled to work on,” he stated. He emphasized the ministry's efforts to streamline university operations and align them with research, teaching, and innovation performance goals.
Hon. Machogu highlighted a recent meeting where education ministers from 12 countries and government officials discussed the challenges facing university growth. He noted that Kenya, as the chair of the Commonwealth Universities in the region, played a pivotal role in making recommendations for the advancement of higher learning institutions. The Education Ministry boss praised the groundbreaking research and innovations by postgraduate students and stressed the importance of integrating these innovations into government projects. “Through this conference, the Commission is providing a forum for dialogue and the exchange of knowledge. There are also opportunities to benchmark to international standards and more opportunities to showcase through exhibitions on innovations,” he explained.
Hon. Machogu also called on the conference to enhance competency-based education and leverage digital technologies, aligning with the government's Bottom-up Economic Transformative Agenda (BETA). He reaffirmed the government's investment in university education through a new funding model introduced last year, aimed at benefiting Kenyan students. “It’s the commercialization of research outcomes and innovations that will be a game changer,” he asserted. He also mentioned the government's commitment to allocating 2 percent of the country's GDP to education and creating linkages between universities and economic development projects, such as the Standard Gauge Railway and housing initiatives.
The conference also saw the presence of prominent figures such as Prof. Mike Kuria, Chief Executive Officer of the Commission for University Education, and various university Vice Chancellors, researchers, and distinguished educators.
The university's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kibwage, who was in a Council and University Management Board capacity building workshop in Naivasha expressed confidence in the team of esteemed researchers, professors, lecturers, and innovators released from the University to attend and display a wide array of products and research outcomes, underscoring the institution's commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Leading the Egerton University delegation, Dr. Musa Njue represented the Director Research, Egerton University Prof. Nancy Mungai. He stressed the need for a shift towards innovation and entrepreneurship. “We need to shift from just knowledge and focus on innovations, entrepreneurship, and creativity. This will be achieved through the establishment of innovation and entrepreneurship hubs within the university,” he stated. Dr. Njue emphasized that these hubs would forge crucial links between industry and academia, fostering a more practical and impactful educational experience.
The 4th Biennial Conference of the CUE highlights the critical role of research and innovation in advancing higher education and driving economic development. Egerton University's contributions underscored its leadership in these areas, setting a high standard for other institutions to follow.
Written By: Kurian Musa
Directorate Of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
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