MUST Hosts the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA) CEO

On Wednesday, 14^th October, 2020, Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) led by our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo hosted the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Tonny Omwansa to discuss matters Innovation.

The development of innovation systems was at the heart of the discussion between the University Vice-Chancellor, the deputy vice-chancellors, research leads and Dr. Omwansa.

MUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Odhiambo stated that the University continues to invest resources towards the advancement of Innovation systems with the aim of creating lasting solutions to global problems. Speaking on the importance of Innovation, Prof. Odhiambo made reference to the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, an innovation hub gifted to the University by our Chancellor and Equity Group Holdings C.E.O Dr. James Mwangi.

“Our students and faculty have the profound opportunity to incubate ideas and concepts into well developed and market-relevant products and services. We look forward to work together with Kenya National Innovation Agency to create more opportunities to nurture our students, faculty and communities through innovation.” Prof. Romanus Odhiambo.

Join Meru University for the opportunity to study market-relevant courses: https://www.must.ac.ke/schools-departments-and-programmes/

Dr. Omwansa assured the MUST management of support from Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA) in empowering MUST students and faculty on how to utilize Innovation development best practices. He sighted commercialization of innovative ideas and start-up support as two of the key areas KENIA will be focusing on. Dr. Omwansa challenged all universities to include Intellectual Property as a common course stating the dire need to educate innovators on how best to protect their ideas.

Study at Meru University of Science and Technology for the opportunity to be a part of a University dedicated to research, innovation and technology: https://www.must.ac.ke/application-procedure/

The KENIA CEO toured parts of the main campus visiting on-going innovative projects aimed at solving societal problems. Dr. Omwansa was taken through the Feacal Sludge Management Project by the lead, Eng. Joy Riungu. She took him through the award winning innovation designed to convert human waste into animal feed and bio-fertilizer. This project offers lasting solutions to the global issue that is Waste Management.

Dr. Omwansa visited the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center where he was taken through the Competence Network for E-Inclusion and Assistive Technologies (CNEAT) research project. This project funded by the National Research Fund is designed to collect, extend and share knowledge, tools and best-practice models for affordable Assistive Technology and its application (technology transfer) in schools for the differently abled. Manyatta Alakara Small Home for Physically Challenged Children, Igoji Small Home for Physically Challenged Children and Athi Special School are some of the beneficiaries of this project.

Meru University of Science and Technology remains committed to providing quality education and training.

We look forward to a successful collaboration with Kenya National Innovation Agency.