Private sector urged to fund varsity research

The private sector has been called upon to engage in funding research projects in Kenyan universities.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga said developing nations should follow in the footsteps of developed countries whereby the private sector funds research in universities with an aim of enhancing their productivity.

“Universities all over the world are funded by the private sector for research and we need to encourage investment by the private sector in education,” he said.

He assured the public that the government is at the forefront in stepping up efforts to enhance equity in access to quality higher education.

He said the world is moving towards knowledge based economy, which requires people to be equipped with quality education and that institutions must be up to date with global standards in order to be competitive in the global market.

Mr Odinga spoke during the fifth graduation ceremony at Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) where 203 graduates were conferred with degrees and awards of certificates, diplomas and higher diplomas Tuesday.

The function was also attended by assistant minister for Education Ayiecho Olweny, Lands minister James Orengo, assistant minister for Energy Magerer Langat, MPs Olago Aluoch and Shakeel Shabbir and several dignitaries from the Southern Sudan republic.

Mr Olweny said that although the government is making efforts to fund research, university educators must pay more focus in seeking funding for research in order to make higher learning more meaningful.

Mr Olweny said it is through research that the country can develop towards attaining the millennium goals since the findings can aid in enhancing production processes for instance in the agriculture industry.

“Research is the pillar of higher education and without it there is no difference between secondary and university education therefore more focus must be put on basic and applied research,” he said.

At the function, Mrs Ida Odinga and Mrs Rebecca Garang’, wife of former Sudan Vice President the late John Garang’ were conferred with honorary degrees of Doctor of Letters in recognition of their contributions to the society.

Mrs Garang’ said Kenyans should embrace unity as a means to achieve their future development goals.

“The major achievement in Southern Sudan was not the division but the freedom of the people and people should know that we cannot achieve anything in war,” she said.