Research and innovation needs have continuously been on the rise to curb emerging global challenges, prevent potential ones and guide governance. Recent global challenges such as covid-19 pandemic and climate changes have revoked the need for scientific-driven policies and practice in societies. There is therefore need for sound research and innovation to mitigate existing challenges, predict and prevent future ones. In the contemporary government, research and innovation are rendered to be an extra source of revenue for universities to compliment government capitation which is linearly decreasing. In Maasai Mara University, Research and Innovation are envisaged as a key arm of the University with a huge potential to generate revenue (through grants, consultancies or commercialized Intellectual Property Rights, IPRs), solve societal challenges as well as foster for global visibility. The role of the research and innovation cannot therefore be ignored and needs to be amplified vehemently. Maasai Mara University is centrally located in a rich niche of research ecosystems. These ecosystems range from tourism and wildlife, agriculture, geology, environmental pollution, trade and culture. The University niche and sub-niches are also well in tandem with national and global development blueprints such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Big Four Agenda. These foci have guided the University towards formulation of vibrant research and innovation activities. The Directorate of Research and Innovation was established in November, 2020 with the mandate to coordinate and spearhead these activities in line with the University Strategic Plan, 2019-2024, national and global development blueprints and research agenda. The Directorates key plan is to create frameworks, structures and an enabling environment for enhancing research and innovation activities.