Institutions of Higher Learning have been urged to mentor and support young minds to become future researchers and innovators that will bring transformation and improve the economy of the country.
These were remarks shared by Dr. Roselida Owuor, Director for Research Development in the Ministry of Education, during the official opening of Chuka University’s 10th International Research Conference where she represented Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. Ezekiel Machogu.
She said that such research conferences were timely resonating well with the efforts the county was making towards addressing the challenges facing the society which called for homegrown and authentic solutions derived from research, innovation and technologies.
“Kenya aspires to become a knowledge based economy where creation, adoption and use of knowledge will be among the most critical factors for rapid economic growth and new knowledge will play a central role in the nation’s wealth creation and social welfare,” she added.
She encouraged such conference and engagements that will bring together great minds from various multidisciplinary experts that share research findings that affect the lives of Kenyans.
I hope that that Institutions of higher learning will contribute to provide a paradigm shift to develop technologies, streamline industries for employment and entrepreneur,” she emphasized.
The ongoing two-day International Research Conference has attracted over 300 participants form both international and National Universities with this year’s theme as Mainstreaming Research, Innovation and Technology-Transfer and Commercialization for Sustainable Economies (MRIT-TCSE).
Chuka University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Henry Mutembei emphasized on the need for scholars to source funds for institutions through research.
“We can no longer sorely rely on the government but instead we should all contribute to the kitty and assist the government in improving our institutions,” he said.
The Don said that Chuka University had embraced the idea and several professors in the institutions had already begun attracting funds through research an achievement they were proud of and ready to support as management.
