Innovation is the way out of cash crisis, varsities told

Institutions of higher learning have been challenged to use innovation to generate resources.

Speaking during the launch of a Sh10 million kitty that will help innovation activities at KCA University, Director-General of the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI) Walter Oyawa said universities have a chance of establishing industries using their innovations.

“It is through innovations that our universities will be able to establish industries that will help in the creation of opportunities. A university will be known by the number of jobs it has been able to create. Universities should grab the opportunity and set aside innovation funds,” he said.

Oyawa challenged public universities that are facing financial crises to consider innovations as one way to make money.

“Public universities should have done this five years ago when they realized the exchequer has no money for them,” he said.

Oyawa asked the private sector to collaborate with universities in setting up money-making ventures.

The DG said the government is working with innovation hubs to lower entry barriers for ICT entrepreneurs and help scale up their businesses in the country and beyond.

“The Science Technology and Innovation (STI) sector has an impact on national security, public safety, and inclusive sustainable development – this is an area we are committed to promoting through our multi-sectorial approach as one of the leaders in Science, Technology and Innovation,” he said.

KCA Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research, Innovation and Outreach Vincent Onywera urged Kenyans to embrace locally made innovations.