Researchers in industry and agriculture sectors have come together to find solutions to the effects of climate change and declining food security.

At least 40 partners are taking part in a Research, Innovation and Digital Agri-Expo at Mt Kenya University (MKU) which aims to chart the way forward in minimising the adversities of a changing climate.

The occasion was graced by Director General, Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute Dr. Calvin Onyango, Chief Executive Officer, Universities Funding Board Geoffrey Monari, partners and exhibitors.

 “The academia and industry are vital in enhancing innovations, commercialization of scientific or research outcomes for socio-economic growth, knowledge transfer and a mutual value-addition,” said MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi.

Funds appeal

 He said MKU has taken the initiative to grow medicinal plants in its botanical garden at the Green valley estate Campus in Thika and an initial research has yielded the production of bathing soap using aloe vera and bamboo extracts.

 Noting that research and innovation are the drivers of economic development, the VC said there must be a strong synergy between academia and industry to foster the much needed socio-economic development.

“The banks, the schools, the hotels, the construction sites, small scale and large-scale farmers, hospitals, engineers,  boda boda transporters and the entire transport sector, the ICT sector, and so on are the industry players and partners in this endeavour,” he said.  

 Jaganyi appealed for more funding towards research and innovation from the government, noting that currently the kitty stands at  two per cent.