Tuesday, 17^th June 2025 – Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) proudly welcomed a distinguished delegation from the National Research Fund (NRF), the Commission for University Education (CUE), and the University of Nairobi (UoN). The visit formed part of a national initiative to monitor, evaluate, and document the progress and societal impact of selected NRF-funded research projects in Kenya’s universities and research institutions.

Out of the six projects selected from the Central region, two are hosted at MUST – a strong testament to the University’s position as a center of research excellence, innovation, and community impact. The selected projects include:

1. Competence Network for E-Inclusion and Assistive Technologies (CNEAT)
   Principal Investigator: Professor Guyo Sarr Huka

CNEAT Project is a multidisciplinary project conducted by a team of researchers from Meru University of Science and Technology, Murang’a University of Technology and Kenya Methodist University. The Project provides Assistive Technologies Tools and Software interface, by offering ICT training and user support among learners, caregivers, and Special Need Educators in Schools with learners that are abled differently.

The Project established Three Competence Assistive Technology (CAT) Centers in three schools namely Athi Special School, & Egoji Small Home in Meru County, and Manyatta Alakara in Isiolo county.

The visit to the Competence Assistive Technology Centre at MUST entailed interaction with the technologies and software solution as outputs that have been deployed in the CAT centers in the three Schools in Isiolo and Meru Counties. The NRF and CUE team engaged the Principal investigator, the research team, and the students in an interactive session, on the impact, challenges and progress achieved in the CNEAT project. MUST  students demonstrated the usability and functionality of the solutions to the Monitoring and evaluation Team.

The CNEAT project research team members highlighted the community extension impact of the solutions among learners, teachers, parents and caregivers. The team also went ahead to outline the collaborative initiatives that have resulted through the CNEAT project, the social impact of the digital solutions among the learners, and women who form the larger population of caregivers and teachers, and the impact on the children and youth that are abled differently. Success stories were shared and demonstrated from the schools, showing the need for further research and deployment of the solutions to other learning centers.

2. Development of Value-Added Camel Milk Products to Enhance Food Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas of Northern Kenya
   Principal Investigator: Professor Joshua Arimi

Among the highlights of the visit was the Camel Milk Project, which stood out for its extensive community engagement and remarkable innovation. The project has successfully patented two products and developed a variety of value-added camel milk products, including yogurt, ice cream, ghee, and flavored probiotic beverages, including camel feeds, all designed to enhance food security, nutritional health, and sustainable livelihoods in Northern Kenya.

This groundbreaking initiative is a collaboration between MUST, JKUAT, and Tharaka University, alongside community partners such as Ngamia Milk suppliers – Nanyuki, and the Anolei and Tawakal Women Cooperative Societies based in Isiolo County. These cooperatives are not only recipients of the project’s benefits but also active partners in the processing and marketing of camel milk products.

During the visit, the delegation was taken through comprehensive presentations on the projects’ milestones, challenges, and strategic direction captured through recorded interviews. They engaged directly with beneficiaries – including students, Researchers, and community members – gathering first-hand insights into how these projects are transforming lives through knowledge transfer, innovation, and economic empowerment.

One of the most inspiring sessions was the interaction with women cooperative members from Isiolo, who shared their experiences of improved incomes, strengthened business skills, and elevated community standing – an impact that speaks volumes about the project’s sustainability and inclusivity.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, in his remarks, thanked NRF for its continuous support and reaffirmed MUST’s commitment to research that serves both academic and societal needs:

At the conclusion of the visit, the MUST project teams were officially invited to present at the upcoming Annual NRF Research Festival, scheduled for August 2025 at Egerton University, Nakuru, where they will showcase their innovations alongside other leading institutions.

With this momentum, MUST continues to lead as a beacon of community-engaged research, innovation, and knowledge transformation.

The outcomes of these projects perfectly reflect the University’s motto: “Foundation of Innovations” – a guiding philosophy that drives MUST’s mission to create knowledge that uplifts lives and shapes the future.