MMUST staff who were also the key participants at the regional Agricultural Society of Kenya show hosted in Kakamega County, pose for a photo with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.
Today, 22 June 2023, the University’s Marketing team lead by the Marketing Officer Mr. James Mureithi, presented the awards which included trophies and certificates won during the just concluded regional Agricultural Society of Kenya show hosted at the Kakamega Showground in Kakamega County to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo. The Team was accompanied by the Director PSSP, Prof. Benedict Alala and Researchers from the School of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Dr. Mary Goretti Kariaga and Dr. Rose Onamu.
As he addressed the group, Prof. Shibairo noted the crucial role agriculture plays in any economy. He emphasized on the fact that food is essential not only for human survival as its importance extends beyond basic sustenance including national security, economic stability, social stability, health and well-being as well as environmental sustainability.
“Food products and agriculture in general are very high value. Evidence shows that anytime the economy grows by 4% it does so only when the agricultural economy has grown by either 1% or 2%. The solution to the challenging economic times we live in, lies on agriculture but as long as we dance away from agriculture, we will not make any changes to the economy,” said Prof. Shibairo.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo addressing the group during the presentation of trophies and certificates.
Additionally, he took note of the other pillars of the economy such as health services, security services, education services, stating that we cannot live without them. “Not everything that directly contributes to the economy is the most important,” he noted as he encouraged the members to take advantage of the digital media platforms to market the University.
Prof. Alala, urged the group to prepare adequately for future trade fairs to effectively showcase their products, build brand awareness, network with other industry professionals and their technologies in order to gain a competitive advantage using the gathered market intelligence and maximize the University’s return on investment.
“Adequate preparation before trade fairs of this nature will enhance our University’s overall presence, professionalism, and effectiveness in leveraging availed opportunities,” he stated.
Right, the Director PSSP, Prof. Benedict Alala, presenting a certificate to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.
The Marketing Officer advised all sections of the University including the TVET institute, to make use of such opportunities to showcase their innovations. He noted that the trade fair no longer focuses on agriculture alone but innovations on how agriculture complements other key activities in the economy for its survival and prosperity.
Right, Ms. Terry Wanjau, one of the customer care representatives presenting a trophy to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo.
We cannot ignore the fact that agriculture and agricultural innovations are vital to any economy, as they make significant contributions to the economy's food security, economic growth, employment generation, trade opportunities, environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, as well as technological advancement. As an institution of higher learning mandated to undertake research, educate and train the next generation, it is commendable that MMUST bagged three awards including ‘The Best University Stand’, ‘Best Agro-Processing Stand’. ‘The stand that best aligns with the theme of the show, Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiative for Sustainable Economic Growth’.
By leveraging our expertise, resources, and academic networks, MMUST will continue to play a crucial role in advancing the agricultural sector and addressing global agricultural and food security issues.
By Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
