A section of the participants following presentations at the conference.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s 16th International Multi-Disciplinary Virtual Conference commenced on 14th June, 2023 with an effort to combat the risks of climate change in the region as well as the globe. The conference themed, ‘Climate Change: Impacts and Responses’, brought together scholars from various parts of the planet who are working tirelessly to save the ecosystem. This event which was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, was organized by the Directorate of Research and Postgraduate Studies in conjunction with the School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (SDMHA).
The three-day conference which will end on Friday, 16th June, 2023, focuses on: climate change and governance, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Security, Health, Communication, Technology, Finance, Vulnerable Populations as well as Research, Innovation and Education.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Shibairo Climate noted that climate change is increasingly becoming a pressing concern globally which should be treated as an immediate threat. He acknowledged that the University and other institutions have been at the forefront of conducting scientific research on climate change which are geared towards establishing the causes and consequences of climate change, development of innovative solutions and exploring sustainable alternatives.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo speaking giving his opening remark.
“As a university, we should champion sustainable practices for the sake of the next generation. I encourage you to continue demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of sustainable practices, which will inspire and motivate the community to adopt similar measures. I believe this conference will lead us to develop our own climate change policy which will effectively promote this cause. Let us grow partnerships with communities, NGOs, businesses, and government agencies to implement collaborative climate action initiatives,” Urged Prof. Shibairo.
Further, Prof. Shibairo advocated for smart agricultural practices and guaranteed his support towards the projects which are geared towards promoting the Green Circular Economy. He challenged the engineering department to innovate electric transport systems to reduce carbon emissions.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation)- Prof. Charles Mutai giving a remark at the conference.
According to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation)- Prof. Charles Mutai, this conference comes at a time when we are in dire need of solutions to the challenges posed by the effects of climate change. He added that humanity is suffering due to rapid climate change and this event will enable us to find possible solutions to it.
“The effects of climate change have tremendously changed our lifestyle. There is a need for multi-disciplinary researchers to address the complex environmental problems of our time. It is our commitment to offer long lasting solutions to save humanity, and this conference clearly sends a message that there is a way forward to save the ecosystem. Through this conference, our researchers will gain an arsenal of skills in research that are transferable across the planet,” stated Prof. Mutai.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Finance) Prof. John Kuria Thuo pointed out that climate change has immense effects on the global economy and all activities across the world. In addition, he stated that this conference has the potential to provide diverse initiatives to save our planet and increase our food basket.
“Developing countries have contributed least to the management of climate change. For this reason, we are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. However, failure to address the challenges would be disastrous for the whole planet. I urge scholars attending this conference to come up with research ideas that can address a planet-based diet, food wastage, deforestation and renewable energy,” said Prof. Thuo.
The Acting Principal of TVET Institute, Prof. Basil Ong’or speaking during the conference.
Reiterating Prof. Thuo, the Acting Principal of TVET Institute, Prof. Basil Ong’or who was representing the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs)- Prof. Hussein Golicha acknowledged that Climate change is having substantial physical impacts in the regions across the world including the institutions of higher learning.
“Solutions to the effects of climate change require a complex synthesis of ideas from a variety of disciplines in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Humanities. MMUST has played a crucial role in educating students, faculty and the broader community about climate change. We have achieved this largely through incorporating climate change into various academic disciplines as well as review of our curricula to integrate climate change and sustainability across various disciplines,” stated Prof. Ong’or.
The Registrar (Planning, research and Innovation)- Prof. Alice Ndiema stated that climate change is an inter-disciplinary issue and solving it requires multi-disciplinary cooperation. Moreover, she said that the conference will increase our knowledge and provide a platform for the University to share knowledge with communities and other stakeholders. She commended researchers who are committed to finding solutions to save livelihoods. “Research impacts on climate change, as well as human health and environmental practices. Let us utilize scientific information and tools to effectively, equitably, and sustainably tackle the climate crisis,” she stated.
The Director Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala addressing participants.
Expressing his delight for hosting the event, the Director Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala said that the conference is not only designed to appreciate the efforts of researchers but also to celebrate their achievements in finding solutions to the global crisis. He thanked the management for its unwavering support towards this cause. Similarly, the Dean, SDMHA- Dr. Ferdinand Nabiswa acknowledged that the conference is here to reveal how science and governance can play a crucial role in combating climate change. He revealed that MMUST’s SDMHA is the only faculty offering programs in disaster management at all levels.
Scholars have showcased exciting presentations tailored towards combating the risks of climate change. These were aligned with the seventeen (17) United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Some of the notable presentations include: ‘Convergence of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Modern Science in Combating Climate Change’ by H.E Dr. Wilber Ottichilo- the Governor of Vihiga County, ‘The Politics of Climate Change’ by Prof. David Monda of City University- New york, ‘The Burning Planet Earth: Where Will Africa be in 2023?’ by Prof. Josephine Ngaira of MMUST, ‘What will it take to Deliver Low Carbon Transport System?’ by Dr. Maleki Khayesi from WHO- Geneva, ‘Climate Change and Security in the Horn of Africa Region’ by Dr. Cliff Obwogi of International Peace Support Training Centre- Karen, ‘Climate Change and Water Resources Management’ by Prof. Eng. Emmanuel Kipkorir of Moi University, as well as ‘Exploitation of Natural Resources and Climate Change’ by Dr. Christopher Aura of KEMFRI.
Prof. Josephine Ngaira making a presentation on, ‘The Burning Planet Earth: Where Will Africa Be in 2023?’
The highly-attended conference consisted of scholars from the Ministries, County Governments, Business Associations, and the Higher Institutions of learning in Kenya including: Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Maseno University, Garissa University, Kenyatta University, Moi University, Maasai Mara University. The other parts of the globe were also represented by scholars from the United Kingdom, United States of America, South Africa, Switzerland, Finland and Namibia.
Certainly, this conference enables professionals and practitioners from different fields of expertise to share knowledge and provide long lasting solutions to the global threat. Therefore, we shall manage to save livelihoods as well as the ecosystem.
By Verna Awuor Kungu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
