It is widely acknowledged that innovation and technology play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development and long lasting socio-economic transformation. This was demonstrated at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Open Day held on Friday 2 September, 2022 at the University Main Campus in Juja.

The purpose of the annual event, which was hosted for the 11th time, is to give potential students, researchers, innovators, the business community, and other stakeholders a platform to engage with the ideas and technologies developed at JKUAT. The innovations on display included advancements in agriculture, value addition, technology, ICT, mechanization, health, and engineering, among other fields.

In his keynote address to the innovators, students, and university community, the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) CEO, Dr. Wilfred Marube, stressed the importance of innovation and technology in Kenya’s socio-economic development and the export sector.

“This University focuses on Training, Research, Innovation, and Technology transfer. These knowledge areas show enormous potential for cooperation with various industry players and government agencies, including the one I serve. Industrialization is key, and I am pleased to have interacted with a lot of advancements in the area of agro-processing for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. We will be contacting the institution to establish a partnership in this area in the coming days, he said.

Dr. Marube further noted that, with the African Continental Free Trade Area being in effect, there exists a great opportunity for university-based innovations and solutions.

“The future is not just about Kenya; the future is Africa. As we innovate our products, embark on our studies and our careers, let us be aware that we must think beyond our borders, because Africa intends to trade as one.”