The Kenyan government is turning its focus towards universities and other higher learning institutions to drive manufacturing and production. Trade Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano highlighted this strategic move during her address at Zetech University’s Research and Innovation Week yesterday.
CS Miano emphasized the importance of forging strong links between universities and industries, suggesting that such collaborations will create opportunities for graduates while enhancing the capacities of industries.
“It opens new doors for sharper green skills, cutting-edge creativity, courage to challenge the status quo, and commitment to inject new thinking and reimagine our systems for a more rewarding tomorrow,” said Miano.
According to Miano, universities are not just centers of learning but thriving hubs of knowledge, research, and innovation. “They are our intellectual capital factories and home to transformational ideas that can yield tangible solutions to cure real challenges,” she said.
Miano explained that the government acknowledges the crucial role of innovation in driving economic growth. To support this, significant investments are being made in research and development within academic institutions.
“By enhancing funding for research projects, providing state-of-the-art facilities, and encouraging collaborations between academia and industry, we are laying the groundwork for a robust innovation ecosystem,” said Miano.
She further elaborated that the partnership between universities and industries is a necessary disruptive process for industrialization. When academic research aligns with industry needs, the potential for groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements increases exponentially.
“This synergy leads to the development of products and services that serve market demands while creating new markets and opportunities,” Miano added.
CS Miano also spoke on the theme of regeneration, explaining it as a process of rebuilding and rejuvenating systems for a more sustainable future. Within the context of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, she noted that regeneration involves empowering local communities and markets to achieve self-dependence and sustainable growth.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting innovations that contribute to regeneration. “From where I sit, the government is keen on attracting both local and foreign investments in our innovation ecosystem. We are investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, media and digital disruptions, and circular economy initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and social equity,” she explained.
During the event, Zetech University showcased its innovative project of developing a rechargeable battery-powered motorbike, underscoring their commitment to environmental sustainability.
The collaboration between the government, universities, and industries represents a strategic step towards achieving a more innovative and sustainable economic landscape in Kenya.
