MUST Capitalizes on Innovation-Led Research – Meru University of Science and Technology
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The Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) Council led by the Chairman of Council, Prof. Bosire Monari Mwebi, held a meeting with members of the University Management and Senate on 24th November, 2022. The MUST Council holds keen interest in hosting conversations with management and faculty that serve as an appropriate window to reflect on where MUST is along the continuum in achieving the objectives on which the University was set. Also present in the meeting were officials from the Youth Enterprise Development Fund; Mr. Daniel Mathenge (In-charge of Commercial infrastructure), Dr. Linet Arisa (Market support and linkages) and Mr. Alex Muriuki (Meru County Manager) and Dr. Denis Mujibi, a Scholar and Chief Executive Officer of Usomi Limited.
“Meru University of Science and Technology is focused on creating a sustainable, equitable and inclusive system of academic and research training. Laying great emphasis on incubating new ideas and technologies within our Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center is a mission we are invested in as a Council. We are cognizant of the need to build a strong foundation for our faculty. Since we joined office, we have made decisions and resolutions designed to make MUST a World Class University of Excellence in Science and Technology which include; Establishing a Directorate of Research, Innovation, Commercialization and Extension (RICE) aimed at building a Research-Innovation-Incubation-IP Commercialization-New Industry Pipeline; Establishment of Faculty mentorship on Research and Scholarship, Teaching for Excellence and Service to Community; Introduction of Graduate Teaching Assistants and Graduate Research Assistants who serve as a catalyst in research and innovation; Encouraging a culture of faculty research and innovation; Internationalization of the University through signing of strategic MOUs with global top notch premier Universities to partner in projects and delivery of programmes that are of interest to our University and Establishing a strategic liaison and business development office in Nairobi which is ideal for bringing multiple industries together, identify their problems and develop training solutions” Prof. Bosire Monari Mwebi.
During their visit to the University, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund identified two projects that they committed to support through financing youth groups to undertake these projects; The Black Soldier fly and E-waste management projects. Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Mathenge appreciated the great research being carried out in the University that has seen the creation of amazing solutions. He noted that the Youth Enterprise Development Fund would partner with MUST in many more projects in a bid to achieve economic development for the youth.
The Youth Enterprise Development Fund is a state corporation under the Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Youth Affairs. The fund’s strategic focus is on enterprise development as a key strategy that will increase economic opportunities for, and participation by Kenyan Youth in nation building. The Fund seeks to create employment opportunities for young people through entrepreneurship and encouraging them to be job creators and not job seekers. It does this by providing easy and affordable financial and business development support services to youth who are keen on starting or expanding businesses.
support services to youth who are keen on starting or expanding businesses.
Mr. Mujibi, an expert in Statistical Genomics, in his address, encouraged faculty to engage in research. He said that innovation and research change people’s lives. In addition, Mr. Mujibi pointed out opportunities for commercialization.
MUST’s evolution extends beyond physical change. Our focus on improving the way that we operate and work with others has helped us to form valuable partnerships and is creating new opportunities for our students, the businesses and other organizations we work with and our research partners.