Machogu: Use research to boost society

The Kenya Kwanza government is keen to ensure that there is conducive and favourable governance structures in universities to spur innovation and desirable resource use.

As such, the Ministry of Education has challenged the universities to create knowledge and scientific breakthroughs that support long-term economic growth in order to march most envied world-class universities.

The Ministry further called on institutions of higher learning to prioritise efficiency and effectiveness in their operations to curb funding issues facing public universities whose pending bills amount to more than Sh70 billion.

“We must step up to ensure we produce outputs and outcomes that are critical to our nation’s knowledge base and innovative capacity. More fundamentally we should create knowledge and scientific breakthroughs that support long-term economic growth,”
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu told delegates during the 4th Biennial Conference on University Research and Innovation held yesterday at Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

Machogu urged the professionals present at the forum to engage and reflect on research outputs, innovations and technology with a view to sharing and adding knowledge with the academic world.

“With the reforms in our education system gathering pace, I challenge this conference to focus on the implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) and generate ideas that will continue making the rollout a success,” he said.

The CS tipped the academicians to consider and advise the government on how Artificial Intelligence can be used to personalise learning, enhance teaching, and support student success.

Funding models

Other areas for the use of AI that Machogu pointed out include bridging the skills gap between graduates and industry needs, developing innovative funding models for equal access to education and leveraging the digital superhighway for economic growth and creative economy.

Machogu insisted that the universities need to do more in terms of research and outreach to make an impact on society adding that there needs to be more partnerships between universities, industry and communities.

“Linkages between the universities and industry should be more robust, especially now as the country prepares to usher in the Competency-Based Education (CBE) at the higher education level. I urge universities to proactively take leadership in talking to the industry in key activities such as curriculum development, internship, co-teaching and evaluation activities,” he said noting that through collaborations, students will be better prepared for the world of work.

The CS also addressed the dire funding situation plaguing public universities, which collectively face over Sh70 billion in pending bills.

“Focusing on the funding issues facing universities, many public universities have pending bills amounting to more than Sh70 billion,” Machogu remarked.

He praised the government’s commitment to ensuring conducive and favourable governance structures within universities.

He asserted that robust governance is essential for academic excellence and institutional stability. “Kenya Kwanza government is keen on ensuring there are conducive and favourable governance structures in our universities,” he said.

In a significant move to bolster research, Machogu announced the government’s decision to allocate 2 percent of the country’s GDP to research activities through the National Research Fund.

Research capabilities

“This pronouncement is indicative of a firm commitment to elevate the profile of research work in Kenya in the coming days,” Machogu stated. This increased funding aims to empower universities to expand their research capabilities and make impactful contributions to society.

The CS urged universities to enhance their research and outreach efforts to make a tangible impact on society. “Universities need to do more in terms of research and outreach to make an impact on society. Linkages between universities and industry should be more robust, especially now as the country prepares to usher in CBC at the higher education level,” Machogu urged.