Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s early-stage innovators are set to transform their ideas into viable business ventures. This is after the innovators underwent a one-day entrepreneurship boot camp, which was conducted by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Authority-Kenya, courtesy of the Huduma WhiteBox Program. The training, organized by the Directorate of Science Park Innovation and Incubation Centre (SPIIC), is a follow up of the just-concluded inaugural innovation championships, held at MMUST from 13th to 14th February, 2025. It took place on Thursday, 20th February, 2025, and was officially opened by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Prof. Peter Bukhala.
In his remarks, Prof. Bukhala encouraged the young innovators to develop solutions that will enable communities to fully utilize ICT. “As you innovate, come up with something that will enhance the adoption of advanced digital technology across communities,” said the Acting DVC-PRI, adding that MMUST is dedicated to promoting technology through research, innovation and training.
A section of MMUST innovators during the training.
“This free boot camp serves as a reward to our innovators for a job well done during the inaugural innovation championships as well as the launch of the Science Park Innovation Academy. As a Directorate, we are determined to build the capacity of our researchers and innovators, especially those in their early stages, by equipping them with foundational skills that are necessary for the development and nurturing of their respective innovations,” stated the Director-SPIIC, Dr. Tecla Sum.
While giving his presentation at the training, the Deputy Director (Innovation and Incubation) at ICT Authority-Mr. Kevin Atibu, pointed out that Huduma WhiteBox is an initiative of the Government of Kenya, which is geared towards supporting ICT-led innovations. “This training focuses on entrepreneurship, business modeling, product development as well as market entry strategies. We are here to help you scale up your innovations in order to transform them into successful businesses,” added Mr. Atibu.
The ICT Authority team pays a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, before proceeding to the boot camp.
The other presentation was by the Principal Innovation Officer at ICT Authority-Ms. Jacqueline Macharia, who took the innovators through the topic, ‘Startup failure? Myth or reality’. “If you want to move your ideas to the level of commercialization, you need to start by conducting thorough market research. Find out why startups are failing as well as why they are succeeding,” she advised.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has continued to support young researchers and innovators through programs that provide mentorship and training. Such boot camps are certainly an indication of the University’s commitment to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for not just employment, but entrepreneurship.
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
