In a bid to strengthen its academic and operational frameworks, Kenyatta University recently hosted a managerial staff sensitization workshop on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Mainstreaming. Held on 12th and 13th March 2025 at the Business and Students Service Complex (BSSC) Mall, the event brought together Deans, Deputy Deans, Chairpersons of Departments, Research, Innovation, and Outreach coordinators, STI Champions, and Focal Persons to explore how STI can be seamlessly integrated into the university’s strategic plans.
Officially opened by the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Outreach, Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, on behalf of Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, the workshop aimed to sensitize staff and raise awareness on the importance of STI in advancing research, technological innovation, and societal development. Among the participants were Mr. Javan Mwiti, Resource Person at the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI), and Dr. David Ngigi, Director of Advisory Standards and Licensing at NACOSTI.
In her speech, Prof. Thoruwa underscored the critical role of STI in driving inclusive growth and sustainable development, not only for the university but also for the nation. She highlighted Kenyatta University’s recognition as Academia Innovation of the Year at the Kenya Innovation Week 2024, emphasizing that STI will be central to the institution’s teaching, learning, and daily operations. She encouraged participants to take charge in embracing research and innovation, seek collaborative partnerships, and pursue research funding to support innovation.
The workshop provided a dynamic platform for intellectual exchange on how to embed STI across the University’s academic and operational sectors. The discussions explored strategies for strengthening research outputs, fostering technological advancement, and integrating STI into various disciplines. By engaging key academic leaders and administrators, Kenyatta University is laying the foundation for a robust STI framework that will enhance the university’s global impact while contributing to regional and national development.
The event also stressed the importance of collaboration between academia and national institutions to foster innovation-driven growth, setting the stage for a new era of transformative research at Kenyatta University.
Source: https://www.ku.ac.ke/index.php/component/k2/item/3360-workshop-on-mainstreaming-science,-tech-and-innovation