An Academia-Industry Partnership: The Universrty Signs an Mou with KNCCI

The University hosted a delegation from Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to a sign a collaboration MOU.

This follows over eight months of meetings and deliberation that peaked with the signing of the MOU at the University. KNCCI President Dr. Ruto K. Erick and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peninah Aloo-Obudho appended their signatures to a mark a beginning of transformative journey between academia and business.

The 21 objectives MOU touches a myriad of development areas aimed at empowering students, staff and businesses:

• Research and Innovation
• Entrepreneurship, Incubation and Business Growth
• Training and Capacity Building
• Internships and Job Attachments
• Sustainable Development and Environmental Conservation
• And other areas of mutual interest.

This is the 4th MOU that KNCCI has signed with institutions of higher learning in Kenya. The speakers expressed optimisms that in terms of implementation and fruits, this MOU will take the lead and be an example for replication.

The collaboration presents a great opportunity for hands on skills in busines growth in the competitive globalized technological world.

Mr. David Mbatiany, South rift KNCCI Director noted the unique strategic location of the University, economic contribution and hence the need to explore the opportunity.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peninah Aloo Obudho, expressed her gratitude for this historic partnership as a step towards societal betterment and sustainable development: environment, economic and social. “ change comes from such a small step. We can make a great impact. We are the change Kenya is looking for, “ said the V.C.

Dr. Ruto said, “we have lost a lot time in this process and time is money in terms of business. Now, we must run eight times faster.” This stressed the need for timely and effective implementation of the MOU. He lamented that despite Africa being a demographic billionaire, it languishes in poverty, contributing a paltry 3% of world GDP. This is despite numerous opportunities including 60% of worlds’’ natural resources .

The University was invited to participate and present in the upcoming global chamber of commerce commence and to initiate a process to establish a centre for internship training as an income generating activity in Nairobi.

A delegation of KNCCI comprised of the Chamber national leaders and all the regional directors The University was represented by the management, Directors, and a section of staff