Kaimenyi urges universities to invest in relevant research for country's development
Graduands during the Technical University of Mombasa 2nd graduation ceremony on December 4, 2014. Prof Kaimenyi urged universities to invest more in research so as to help the country achieve faster growth. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Education CS Jacob Kaimenyi said this will help the country achieve international competitiveness.
- Prof Kaimenyi urged graduates to expand and supplement the skills they have acquired at the university through pursuing advanced qualifications in other fields.
- He commended the university for being among the top universities in winning funding from the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation.
- TUM Vice Chancellor Josphat Mwatelah appealed to the Mombasa County government to assist them in acquiring land for expansion.
The government has urged university lecturers to create industrial growth in the country and boost its global business through developing appropriate research.
By exploiting knowledge in science, technology and innovation, industries in the country can thrive and international competitiveness created, said Education, Science and Technology Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi.
“In order for our industries to survive in this cut-throat economic competition globally, our researchers must put in every effort possible in coming up with strategies and appropriate research,” said Prof Kaimenyi.
His remarks were contained in a speech read on his behalf by the ministry’s legal officer, Ms Edith Torome, during the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) graduation ceremony.
At the same time, he urged all universities and colleges to be abreast of new technologies in the global community and consider ways of integrating them in their institutions.
GLOBALISATION A REALITY
“Globalisation is a reality and the world is interconnected economically and socially.
"We cannot afford to lag behind while we boast of skilled manpower such as the ones who are graduating today,” he pointed out.
Prof Kaimenyi urged graduates to expand and supplement the skills they have acquired at the university through pursuing advanced qualifications in other fields.
Meanwhile, he commended the university for being among the top universities to win funding from the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) for having the highest number of staff innovations.
ASSURED OF SUPPORT
The CS assured universities that his ministry would continue to support them by pushing for more resources to develop education.
In his remarks, TUM Chancellor Douglas Odhiambo advised those still pursuing their studies to take advantage of their time at university to begin creating employment for themselves through exploiting their talents.
“You must confront the realities of poverty, unemployment and globalisation,” said Prof Odhiambo.
TUM Vice Chancellor Josphat Mwatelah appealed to the Mombasa County government to assist them in acquiring land for expansion of infrastructure.
A total of 1,900 students graduated in various disciplines in the day-long colourful ceremony held at the institution's main campus.
