PS Shipment and Maritime Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Kaituko signs MMUST visitors book as the KCA University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Vincent Onywera Research, Innovation and Outreach looks on.
Once again MMUST showcased top-notch innovation acumen when a team led by Prof. John Muoma joined other innovators at the KCA university 2 October -3 was hosted at Ruaraka main campus along Thika road. The goal of the Summit was to encourage and provide a supportive environment for university students to become successful innovators and entrepreneurs. MMUST presented three student innovators supported by the University Innovation Funds (UIF) whose innovations were the centre of attraction during the entire summit.
The Permanent Secretary, State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Kaituko, who was a keynote speaker at the event, visited the MMUST stand and signed the visitors book. He lauded the University-industry partnership, saying that it enhances socio-economic development. “I encourage innovation among the young generation not only in MMUST but in all universities in Kenya. I urge the youth to tap into the opportunities available in the blue economy and in the maritime sector,” he stated.
KCA University Chancellor Prof Olive Mugenda signing the MMUST visitors book.
Speaking at the event the KCA Chancellor, Prof. Olive Mugenda, who had taken time to listen to a MMUST student- Fredrick Koyaya present his plant detection tool, pointed out that science, innovation and technology was the way to go for universities. This novel presentation attracted all and sundry making the MMUST stand the most sought after stand. This was a great venture which opened up interest from Ajira and other partners which were willing to seek ways to support the venture.
The Director, SPIIC, Prof. John Muoma lauded the MMUST management for its continuous support towards the MMUST Science Park participation in the event. “The three young innovators were supported by the University Innovation Funds (UIF) 2022/23 and were competitively selected to present their innovations which have AI and ICT technologies at the summit,” said Prof Muoma, adding that MMUST is the shipment and Maritime Affairs center within the Lake Region Economic Block (LREB) and any support that can improve the university’s engagement on issues if maritime would be greatly appreciated.
Fred Koyaya’s presentation included an AI Android tool that leverages on advanced machine learning algorithms to swiftly and accurately identify plant diseases through image analysis, which will revolutionize the way farmers manage their crops. The tool was adjudged to have a user-friendly interface and real-time disease detection capabilities, whose development would empower agricultural professionals to make informed decisions for healthier and more productive harvests.
MMUST student, Fredrick Koyaya taking KCA Chancellor through his project.
Kelvin Kiprotich, a MMUST molecular biology Msc graduate and a prospective PhD student scheduled to start his studies in Stellenbosch University, South Africa, presented a Soil Nutrient Index and Monitoring Application. This is an AI Android software for managing soil nutrients as well as a platform for linking soil experts and farmers regarding edaphic information. The third student Janet Tarus presented a KE-NTDs mobile software that simplifies mapping geographical distribution of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and helps medical professionals, community health volunteers and the general public improve on their disease management.
The summit was also an opportunity for MMUST to share with all the visitors its programs. The marketing team shared the BSc. programs in the Paramedical Sciences department and Bsc Bio-safety and Bio-security program developed in partnership with a Canadian Bio-safety Authority. These unique programs attracted most of the visitors to the MMUST stand hence opening up room for engagement on other opportunities in MMUST.
Marketing officer- Mr. James Muriithi taking the PS team through the programs in MMUST. With him is the Director SPIIC, Prof. John Muoma.
While students were educated more regarding Visiondrill, a personalized learning and networking platform, the summit also enabled MMUST staff to interact with the ICT authority who expressed willingness to support the improvement of the MMUST innovations which have AI and ICT incorporated. Indeed, such partnerships and participation in events of this nature will catapult MMUST’s position as the destination for innovation, training and research.
