The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) has honoured the University of Nairobi (UoN) Vice Chancellor, alongside 11 other Vice Chancellors, for their commitment to nurturing student-led innovations in universities across the country.
In a statement issued on September 12, KeNIA applauded the Vice Chancellors for embedding student innovation clubs within their institutions, a move described as pivotal in strengthening Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.
“Congratulations to 11 Vice Chancellors for championing student-led innovation clubs,” KeNIA stated.
“We celebrate the remarkable leadership of Vice Chancellors who are paving the way for student innovators by embedding student-led innovation clubs within their institutions.”
According to the agency, the initiative is creating fertile ground for young innovators to transform ideas into enterprises with real societal impact.
KeBIA noted that these efforts are not only shaping the country’s innovation landscape but also nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and problem solvers.
UoN Vice Chancellor Among 11 Honoured
Those recognized include:
- Prof. Laban Ayiro – Daystar University
- Prof. Robert Gateru – Riara University
- Prof. Peninah Aloo Obudho – Maasai Mara University
- Prof. Peter Muchiri – Dedan Kimathi University
- Prof. James H.P. Kahindi – Pwani University
- Prof. Romanus Odhiambo – Meru University
- Prof. Henry Kiptiony Kiplangat – Kabarak University
- Prof. Isaiah I.C. Wakindiki – KCA University
- Prof. Njenga Munene – Zetech University
- Prof. Margaret Hutchinson – University of Nairobi
- Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi – USIU-Africa
KeNIA stressed that by championing student-led innovation clubs, the Vice Chancellors are bridging the gap between academia and enterprise, ensuring that student innovations move beyond concepts to solutions that address real societal challenges.
“This bold step is shaping Kenya’s innovation ecosystem and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and problem-solvers,” the statement read.
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About KNEIL Platform
The Kenya Network of Entrepreneurial Institutions Leaders (KNEIL) is a collaborative platform that brings together institutional leaders to discuss, co-design, and implement solutions that strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship within higher learning institutions.
KNEIL seeks to unlock and grow the potential of universities and colleges to create vibrant entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems.
Through shared learning, strategic partnerships, and joint initiatives, the platform empowers institutions to not only nurture student and faculty innovations but also drive sustainable economic and social impact across the country.
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Universities to Become Hubs of Innovators
This leads to institutions becoming hubs of creativity, enterprise, and transformative solutions for national development.
Further, they collaborate with international development partners, whose expertise and networks strengthen innovation ecosystems. At the same time, they serve researchers and innovators, who are at the heart of creating solutions that drive sustainable social and economic impact.
They conduct institutional needs assessments, develop resource mobilization strategies, implement awareness campaigns, and benchmark best practices, including the development of platform content and policies.
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What are the innovations? Why honour VCs only and not the innovators as well?