PS state department for university education Amb. Simon Nabukwesi (black suit) pause for a photo with Meru university council
Meru Wednesday, June 29, 2022 by Brenda Gakii
Meru University holds inaugural international conference on innovation for development
By: Brenda Gakii
Worth Noting:
- “I want also to commend the council, university management board and research innovation commercialization center for organizing the conference to provide researchers and innovators ample time to share the intriguing topics they have,” said Amb. Nabukwesi.
- He commended the national research fund, for funds she has given for execution of the institution’s mandate in facilitating research and advancement of science, technology and innovation which will serve to uphill our country globally.
- “The government of Kenya through the ministry of education is keen on enhancing social-economic development of our country by supporting research and innovation programs in institutions of higher learning,” noted the PS.
Meru University of science and technology has launched international conference on innovation for development that kicked off on Tuesday and on Wednesday, was graced by the PS for University education and research Amb. Simon Nabukwesi
The Inaugural Meru University of Science and Technology International conference on Innovation for development carried out at the main campus in partnership with the National Research fund, KenGen and ICT Authority.
Speaking at the three day, Nabukwesi noted event that had six countries represented through the guest speakers and the presenters.
The PS applauded the Meru University for its Efforts towards research and innovation as a way of creating new opportunities and solving societal problems.
“I want also to commend the council, university management board and research innovation commercialization center for organizing the conference to provide researchers and innovators ample time to share the intriguing topics they have,” said Amb. Nabukwesi.
He commended the national research fund, for funds she has given for execution of the institution’s mandate in facilitating research and advancement of science, technology and innovation which will serve to uphill our country globally.
“The government of Kenya through the ministry of education is keen on enhancing social-economic development of our country by supporting research and innovation programs in institutions of higher learning,” noted the PS.
Amb. Nabukwesi further emphasized on encouraging, facilitating and protection of the idea of the scholars and added that the government will be working on the policies.
He noted that Meru University is working in partnership with other state parastatals in making sure that research and innovation are incorporated in the university curriculum in our universities.
The partnership between Meru University and national research fund has assisted the university to come up with five innovations which include the competence network e-inclusion and assistive technology an assistive technology aid physically challenged to learn with ease.
He noted another innovation being sanitary and pad dispenser and incinerator which will help adolescent girls and all women to access sanitary towels easily and cheaply adding that the incinerator will help in disposing of used sanitary towels.
The university has also innovated chicken brooder that will help farmers to produce chicks with a lot of ease, which reduces wastage and increases survival.
The researchers have also innovated, the sixth sense device that is used by the blind to carry out their daily activities; it can be worn used as a walking stick.
Value addition on Carmel milk is another innovation that meru university researchers have come up with, where they have made camel pasteurized milk, camel milk chocolate.
He pledged the government’s commitment to support research initiatives to uplift our communities and those supporting the advancement of economic growth both nationally and internationally.
Mt. Kenya times also had an opportunity to speak with Professor Joshua Arimi, a scientist by profession who has spearheaded the camel and miraa innovation.
Prof.arimi noted that they have innovated formulated feeds that can be used by camels particularly during drought, a move that was triggered by the conflicts between the camel rearing communities and crop farmers as the camel herders go looking for feeds for their animals and end up invading and destroying the crops.
“From the camel milk products we have developed low fat milk that does not have crème, yoghurt camel milk chocolate, butter, cheese and face lotion,” noted Professor Arimi.
“Miraa being one of the main cash crops grown in meru, there has been a challenge of some members of community both in meru and outside the county who do not desire to be seen chewing Miraa, this has in turn led to the farmers benefiting from the crop as they should,” noted Prof Arimi adding that they have come up with a way of using miraa without chewing, by using an infusion bag just like the tea bags. From chewing to sipping, without losing ingredients that brings pleasure in using miraa.
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