SPEECH BY PROF. ISAAC O. KIBWAGE, VICE CHANCELLOR EGERTON UNIVERSITY, DELIVERED ON THURSDAY, 20TH JULY DURING THE 5TH NATIONAL FORUM FOR UNIVERSITIES, TVETS AND AGRICULTURAL STAKEHOLDERS

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I stand before you today with immense pleasure and pride as we gather here at Egerton University for the 5^th National Forum for Universities, TVETs, and Agricultural Stakeholders. This event serves as a remarkable platform for us to collectively address the critical issues of entrepreneurship, innovation, food and nutritional security, youth empowerment, and national development

I would also like to acknowledge the presence of other notable guests who have graced us with their presence: Her Excellency Susan Kihika, the Nakuru Governor, Honourable Charity Kathambi, Njoro Member of Parliament, Professor Patrick Okori, the Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, and Professor Mike Kuria, the Chief Executive of the Commission for University Education. We are grateful for your presence. I also wish to thank the organisers of this event led by TAGDEV Coordinator and Director Research & Extension Professor Nancy Mungai and the Egerton team.

Ladies and gentlemen, the theme for this forum, "Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Youth Empowerment and National Development," resonates deeply with our commitment here at Egerton University. Today, we have gathered to address several crucial focus areas vital for our nation's growth and progress.

The foremost focus area we will explore is the repositioning of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to meet the changing market needs in a resource-constrained environment. As we navigate the challenges posed by limited resources, it becomes increasingly essential for us to patent and commercialise our innovations so that we raise additional resources to run our institutions. We should also adapt and align our academic programmes and research endeavours with the evolving market and industry demands. By doing so, we can ensure that our graduates have the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-changing economic landscape and strengthen industry-academia partnerships.

The following focus area centres around youth and innovation in agriculture. Egerton University takes immense pride in the achievements of our students who have demonstrated innovative abilities by developing patented innovations. These include:

1. Water hyacinth seedling polybags by Engineering students which won first prize during the KENIA Innovation week in Nairobi which is undergoing commercialisation at Agroscience Park with support from TAGDEV;
2. Chicken brooder which has been patented and commercialised;
3. Food Preservations products from Gum Arabic by Food science students
4. Innovative value-added dairy products from the Faculty of Agriculture
5. New bean and cowpeas varieties developed and registered by researchers and students from the Department of Crops Horticulture and Soils.

The students displayed innovations during the recently concluded 2023 Nakuru ASK National Show. Many are with us today, and they will participate in the innovation competitions. These youth-led innovations played a significant role in our commendable performance. Today, we will delve into the ways in which we can further foster innovation among our youth in the agricultural sector, ultimately driving sustainable development and food security.

Addressing the challenges of low student enrollment in agricultural programmes is another critical concern. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and it is crucial that we encourage and attract more young minds to pursue agricultural training. By identifying and implementing innovative training models, we can overcome these challenges and ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals who can contribute to the growth and development of the agricultural sector.

Another area is commercialisation and safeguarding innovative business ideas which is a critical area we shall be discussing and the process of moving them from ideation to industrial uptake. In this regard, it is imperative that we create an environment that nurtures and supports young entrepreneurs on their journey to transform their ideas into successful ventures. We must foster a culture of innovation and provide the necessary resources and guidance to help our youth navigate the complex business development landscape.

Last but not least, we will discuss young entrepreneurs' business environment. We will explore the vital aspect of creating an enabling business environment for young entrepreneurs. Government policies and regulations play a pivotal role in shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By fostering an enabling environment, we can promote entrepreneurship, attract investments, and provide opportunities for our youth to thrive.

Ladies and gentlemen, as we embark on this Forum, let us engage in meaningful discussions, share valuable insights, and develop actionable strategies to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and youth empowerment. Together, we can pave the way for our nation's prosperous and sustainable future.

I sincerely thank all the participants, organisers, and sponsors who have made this forum possible. Your dedication and commitment to the cause are truly commendable.

Once again, I welcome you all to Egerton University and wish you a productive and enlightening forum. Thank you.