The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) visited Kabarak University as part of its nationwide effort to promote innovation and entrepreneurship through Student-Led Innovation Clubs (SLICs). The visit aimed to understand the university’s innovation ecosystem, raise awareness about KeNIA’s programs, and explore ways to collaborate in supporting student innovators and entrepreneurs.
The visit focused on several key goals: introducing the SLIC framework to students and faculty, assessing Kabarak University’s capacity to support student innovation, encouraging students to actively engage in research, innovation, and startups, and building a stronger partnership between KeNIA and the university.
At the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub, the KeNIA team led an interactive session. They shared insights on their mandate, the development of Kenya’s innovation ecosystem, and the role of students in driving innovation. The session included open discussions about challenges, opportunities, and strategies for creating sustainable innovation clubs. Students and faculty actively participated, sharing ideas and discussing ways to strengthen the culture of innovation on campus.
The visit produced several positive outcomes. Students and staff gained a clearer understanding of KeNIA’s role in supporting innovation and startups. University leadership expressed renewed commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, and plans were discussed to align the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub with the SLIC framework. Students also showed strong enthusiasm for participating in and leading innovation projects.
Observations during the session confirmed that Kabarak University offers a supportive environment for creativity and entrepreneurship. The discussions highlighted a culture of mentorship, research, and collaboration. Both students and staff expressed interest in future joint initiatives with KeNIA.
The visit was highly productive, raising awareness about student innovation, research commercialization, and entrepreneurship. Moving forward, it is recommended that Kabarak University formally establish or strengthen the Student-Led Innovation Club (SLIC), hold regular workshops on innovation, intellectual property, and commercialization, encourage collaboration across departments, maintain a strong partnership with KeNIA for mentorship and funding, and continue integrating innovation and entrepreneurship into both academic and extracurricular activities.
