In a remarkable showcase of creativity and resourcefulness, innovations from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) ranked among the top at the University of Eldoret’s (UoE) Annual Innovation Week and Public Lecture, held from 16th to 18th October 2024. The event, a celebration of research and technological breakthroughs, provided MMUST the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to addressing critical societal challenges through cutting-edge solutions. Led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning, Research, and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai, the University’s delegation included staff and student innovators whose projects garnered significant recognition. This year’s Innovation Week themed ‘Building a Sustainable Future Through Innovations’, provided a dynamic platform for universities and stakeholders to collaborate and explore the potential of innovations to create lasting societal impacts. MMUST’s contribution spanned key sectors such as agriculture, the digital economy, and healthcare, securing top accolades for its inventive approaches to promoting sustainable development.
A section of MMUST participants during the 2024 UoE’s Innovation Week and Public Lecture.
The University’s projects claimed top spots across these categories with the Ultimate Super-phosphate Fertilizer by Prof. Francis Orata, and Mkilimo Mobile Application, by Dr. Rose Onamu and Ian Ochieng clinching first place in the Environment and Natural Resource Management, and Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition respectively. In the second place, MMUST’s Bio-prospecting for Phytochemical Repellants and bio-pesticides of the Jigger Flea Tunga penetrans from the Western Kenya Flora by Prof. Maurice Vincent Omolo and Energy Hub by Benard Phabian Odoyo triumphed in the Health and Digital & Creative Economy categories. Meanwhile, third-place honors went to projects such as the Mean testing App -ODEMMUSTA by Prof. Stephen Odebero, the Development of Primers for Environmental Water Pathogen Detection by Dr. Anthony Sifuna., and the production of organic antiseptic soaps for the treatment of microbial infections by Mr. Kefa Mogenche in their respective categories. Additionally, MMUST’s continued innovation was further evidenced by securing sixth place with the Multipurpose University Smart Card System by Dr. Cedric Okinda, and seventh place with the Innovations in Digital Diagnostics: A Case for Lamp Technology by Dr. Anthony Sifuna. Other notable projects included eKonnect by Dr. Tecla Sum which ranked eighth, followed by Secure Access Control and Management System using AI and IOT by Sarah Lugho Santa.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning, Research, and Extension- UoE, Prof. Phillip Raburu (Standing middle front line) share a photo with innovators and lecturers from different Universities participating in the event.
Delivering the Vice Chancellor’s speech on behalf of UoE, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research, and Extension), Prof. Phillip Raburu underscored the importance of Innovation Week, describing it as a strategic platform for UoE to reaffirm its commitment to nurturing a culture of creativity, research, and knowledge sharing. Reflecting on the event’s theme, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot, through his speech, highlighted the key role innovation plays in fostering sustainable solutions. “Your innovations showcase the transformative potential of digital technologies in improving lives and building more sustainable communities. I am confident that the innovations presented here will continue to grow, making a meaningful impact and driving positive change within our communities,” read his speech.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Raburu commended innovators from various institutions, emphasizing the rich agricultural potential of the Western and Rift Valley regions. He urged collaboration among institutions to address community challenges and highlighted the importance of transforming academic research into market-ready solutions. Additionally, Prof. Raburu stressed that universities must move beyond publications and focus on commercializing innovations to achieve real societal impact. He encouraged students to adopt an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset early in their studies, saying that this would enable them to navigate the competitive landscape and contribute to national development. “This event is designed to open the minds of students to the possibilities that research holds, not just within academic confines, but in creating sustainable solutions and business opportunities that can drive both economic growth and social change,” he said.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research, and Extension- UoE), Prof. Phillip Raburu welcoming the participants to this year’s Innovation Week.
Speaking during the event, Prof. Mutai, emphasized the role of innovation in driving societal progress. “The future of Kenya, Africa, and the world is rooted in innovation. As Universities, we are at the forefront of generating solutions to the complex challenges facing society. Our communities rely on us to lead, and with our extensive knowledge and research capacity, we are well-equipped to drive this progress,” he stated.
Prof. Mutai also highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships in advancing innovation. He pointed out that partnerships with other Universities, industries, governments, and international stakeholders are essential for creating sustainable solutions that benefit not only local communities but also have global impact. Additionally, he stressed the need to nurture the next generation of innovators. “Universities must be incubators for creative thinking, where young minds are encouraged to push boundaries and challenge the status quo,” he added.
MMUST’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research, and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai addressing the participants during the official opening of the event.
The Director of Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Francis Orata, noted that MMUST provides seed funding to innovators to support the development of their ideas. He explained that his Office works closely with the Directorate of the Science Park, Innovation, and Incubation Centre (SPIIC) to ensure that research and innovation remain active across the institution. “We appreciate this platform provided to us by the University of Eldoret, as it serves as a vital link to the commercialization of our innovations. Such events create opportunities for us as innovators to showcase our work, attract investors, and establish partnerships that help bring our innovations to the market,” said Prof. Orata.
The Director of Research and Postgraduate Support at MMUST, Prof. Francis Orata, making his remarks.
The Director of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Odebero, expressed concerns about the low levels of innovation and practical application in universities, noting that attendance at innovation forums is usually significantly lower than that at research events. He emphasized that the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), will create a stronger emphasis on valuing innovation as this curriculum is designed to equip learners with problem-solving skills and practical knowledge. “With CBC, we must strive to do better. It challenges us to rethink how we teach, learn, and innovate. Universities need to take the lead in showcasing and fostering innovations that tackle real-world challenges,” remarked Prof. Odebero, calling for a more hands-on, innovative approach in higher education.
MMUST’s Director of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Odebero speaking at the event.
The Director SPIIC, Dr. Tecla Sum, highlighted the critical role innovation plays in addressing societal challenges and building a sustainable future. “Through Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation, we can effectively tackle the diverse and emerging problems facing our society at local, regional, and global levels,” she stated. Dr. Sum also announced that MMUST through the Innovation Centre is set to launch the ‘Hackathon,’- an innovation championship designed to nurture creativity and problem-solving spirit among students and staff. She expressed confidence that the initiative will lead to more groundbreaking ideas and practical solutions in the form of innovations.
The Director SPIIC, Dr. Tecla Sum making her remarks.
Similarly, the University’s Marketing Officer, Mr. James Muriithi discussed the significance of such events in enhancing MMUST’s brand and reputation as a leading University in Research and Innovation. He noted that the numerous awards the University has received from this exhibition reflect its ongoing commitment to promoting its research and innovation efforts. Mr. Muriithi pledged to continue strengthening MMUST’s marketing strategies to further showcase its achievements and foster greater collaboration with stakeholders in the research and innovation community.
MMUST’s student innovator, Mr. Phabian Benard, explaining his innovation to UoE’s DVC (Planning, Research and Extension) and the Guest Speaker, Dr. Errick Rutto- Chamber President, National Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the MMUST's exhibition tent.
Also present during the exhibition were Ms. Terry Muthoni, Mr. Canon Odhiambo, and Ms. Delphine Mukhwana.
Certainly, MMUST’s stellar presence at the event was a testament to the university’s rising prominence in the field of innovation, with its commitment to promoting research and solutions that address the country’s developmental challenges.
By Caren Nekesa
