Egerton University held her 5th National Forum for universities, TVETs and industry players under the theme “Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Youth Empowerment and National Development.” The main objective of the National Forum was to promote a youth driven economy through enhancement of entrepreneurship and linkages for a vibrant business community. In this gathering of esteemed educators, policymakers, and industry experts in Kenya, keynotes from various thought leaders shed light on repositioning Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to meet the dynamic needs of a resource-constrained economy while highlighting the potential of youth-led innovations and collaborations.

Prof. Mike Kuria, CEO, Commission for University Education, spearheaded the discussions with his keynote on Repositioning HEIs to meet the changing market needs
in a resource-constrained environment. Stressing the importance of collaboration with industry, he urged training institutions to adopt dynamic curriculum designs that cater for the evolving job landscape, emphasizing the need for imparting the right skills and promoting adaptability among the youth. Ms Jemimah Muchugia, Regional Coordinator of DigiCOW Africa Limited, highlighted the significant role of youth in transforming the agriculture sector. She emphasized on four pillars of success: government support, technology and innovations, youth involvement in policy, and collaborations. Ms Muchugia urged for increased adoption of digital agriculture practices like precision farming and hydroponics-technique of growing plants using a water- based nutrient solution rather than soil, encouraging the power of collaboration and networks for outsourced technical aspects.She pointed out that youth and innovations in agriculture hold the key to addressing the growing challenges of food security and sustainable development. Engaging young minds in the agricultural sector not only brings fresh perspectives and creative ideas but also fosters a culture of entrepreneurship and technological advancement. By leveraging modern technologies and data-driven approaches, young farmers can optimize resource usage, increase productivity, and develop climate-smart solutions. Additionally, her strong emphasis was on empowering youth to participate in agribusiness ventures and value chains creates economic opportunities, improves livelihoods, and contributes to the overall growth and transformation of rural communities. She concluded by pointing out that supporting and investing in the potential of youth-driven agricultural innovations is essential for building a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector that can sustainably feed the world’s growing population.

Prof. Okori, the Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, issued a wakeup call, stating that 80% of future jobs will be in the informal sector. To prepare the youth for this changing landscape, he advocated
for transformation at three levels: individual, institutional, and community. Prof. Okori challenged educational institutions to train students not just for self-employment but also to create job opportunities for others.

Prof. Isaac Kibwage, the Vice-Chancellor of Egerton University shared the institution’s successes, including offering training in a resource- constrained environment and safeguarding innovative ideas for the benefit of founders and additional revenue. He stressed the importance of the TAGDEV model for embedding in the national innovation ecosystem.

Repositioning Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to meet the changing market needs in a resource-constrained environment is a critical imperative for ensuring their relevance and impact in today’s rapidly evolving world. With limited resources and increasing demands, HEIs must embrace innovative strategies to adapt their curricula, teaching methodologies, and research focus to align with the dynamic needs of industries and society. This entails fostering stronger partnerships with businesses and industries to gain insights into emerging market trends, skills gaps, and technological advancements. Moreover, HEIs should emphasize interdisciplinary approaches and flexible learning options that enable students to acquire a diverse set of skills and competencies. Embracing digital technologies and open educational resources can also help overcome resource constraints while expanding educational access. By proactively repositioning themselves in this manner, HEIs can play a pivotal role in equipping graduates with the expertise required to thrive in a resource-constrained market and contribute meaningfully to sustainable socio-economic development.

Highlighting the urgent need for a supportive startup and innovation ecosystem, Mr.Moriaso Josiah, CEO of the Youth Development Fund, acknowledged the existence of various funds but emphasized the lack of a comprehensive support system. He urged the government to facilitate access to finance and markets for startups, tapping into the potential of Kenya’s highly skilled and energetic youth. Drawing attention to the untapped potential of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs), Ms Ruth Ndungu from the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized their role in contributing to innovations. She stressed the need for youth support to standardize products and access markets, with a particular focus on the game- changing potential of agriculture. “By providing practical, hands- on training and education, TVETs equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to address real-world challenges and create innovative solutions. These institutions often collaborate closely with industries, businesses, and research centers, facilitating knowledge exchange and technology transfer. TVET graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with specialized skills, making them valuable contributors to research and development, product design, and process optimization” she added.

As Kenya marches towards a future led by innovation and collaboration, the youth stand ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. With the right attitude and a supportive ecosystem, they are self-confident to shape the country’s destiny on a global stage.

This Forum marked a pivotal moment for Kenya’s education and innovation landscape, as stakeholders from all sectors pledged their commitment
to empowering the youth and creating an enabling environment for growth and progress.

By: Evaline Acan

Corporate Communications and Advocacy Officer,

RUFORUM.

The TAGDev Program recently concluded a productive three-day review meeting with the University Management Board (UMB) at the FK Resort and Spa in Nyeri, Kenya (June 13th-15th, 2024). This meeting served as a valuable platform to showcase the program's achievements and engage in discussions about TAGDev 2.0.

User Rating: 5 / 5

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, Gulu University (Uganda), Egerton University (Kenya),