In a step toward fostering community empowerment and sustainable development, Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Igati Creative and Innovators NGO. The partnership, forged under the principles of social entrepreneurship, is set to uplift communities across Meru County and beyond through research, innovation and community outreach initiatives.

Igati Creative and Innovators NGO is a symbol of hope for communities in Meru County, focusing on poverty eradication through sustainable initiatives. Guided by the principles of social entrepreneurship, the organization seeks to create lasting socioeconomic impact. This aligns seamlessly with MUST’s Directorate of Research, Innovation, Commercialization and Extension (RICE) and its Community Outreach and Extension Policy, which aim to catalyze socioeconomic transformation by bridging academia with practical, community-driven solutions. The signing ceremony, attended by MUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs (DVC ASA) Prof. Simon Thuranira, the Director of RICE Prof. Amos Omamo, MUST’s legal officer Ms. Sharon Koskei, and a 20-member delegation from Igati led by their Chairman, Mr. Alfred Gitonga, marks the beginning of a promising collaboration.

The MoU outlines several transformative initiatives designed to address community needs, enhance research and innovation and promote sustainable development. Among the standout projects are:

1. Apiculture: The One Million Beehive Project

Slated for launch in 2025, this initiative aims to establish one million beehives, benefiting approximately 200 bee farmers in Meru County and neighboring regions. By tapping into apiculture, the project will provide an avenue for sustainable income generation, environmental conservation and the promotion of biodiversity.

2. Training Farmers in Innovative Beekeeping Techniques

A cornerstone of this partnership is capacity-building. MUST and Igati will collaborate to train local farmers in innovative, cost-effective and profitable beekeeping techniques, ensuring they can maximize their yields and livelihoods.

3. Community Industrial Park

The MoU includes the establishment of a Community Industrial Park within MUST. This park will serve as a hub for innovation, value addition and the commercialization of community products, creating a successful ecosystem of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

4. Community Value Chain for Farm Products

A joint value chain for marketing and distributing farm products, such as honey, will be launched. This initiative will ensure fair market access for local farmers, reducing barriers and enabling them to compete in larger markets effectively.

5. Environmental Conservation

Both partners are committed to environmental sustainability, with projects aimed at promoting afforestation and conservation to counter the effects of climate change and ensure a greener future for Meru County.

The partnership with Igati Creative and Innovators NGO demonstrates MUST’s unwavering commitment to community service and its dedication to applying research and innovation for practical solutions. By bridging the gap between academia and the community, MUST reaffirms its role as a catalyst for change, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, Vice-Chancellor of MUST, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “This MoU is a commitment to the people of Meru and neighboring regions. Through this collaboration, we aim to empower communities, drive innovation and build sustainable livelihoods while contributing to environmental conservation.”