The culmination of the Mount Kenya University (MKU) Research and Innovation Week was characterized by pomp, colour and ululations as winners of the best school to organizer a symposium was announced by Dr. Francis Makokha, director research during the closing ceremony conducted at Mwai Kibaki Convention Center.
The schools’ symposiums awards were based on how best the schools mobilised students to attend, creativity, research output, innovations and engagement of the participants. School of Pharmacy emerged the winner as they have students paper presentations, exhibited their innovative herbal skin products that is antibacterial soap, shaving cream, exfoliating scrub amongst other products. . The overwhelming participation and attendance coupled by the trending CBC discussion made school of Education scoop the first runners up award. The second runners up school were school social science for best theme interpretation and well organised panellist that included online keynote speakers
The symposiums began on Monday, 14th October 2024, and were lined up as follows
- Symposium for the College of Health Sciences on: 1100 HRS: Migration Health: Implications on Public Health, Research and Practice Keynote Speaker: Prof. Davide Mosca, International Organization for Migration
- 1400 HRS: Pandemics Occurrences; the Past, Current and the Future Keynote Speaker: Dr. Willis Akhwale- Former presidential adviser and Chair Ministerial Taskforce on COVID-19
- Symposium for the School of Pharmacy Theme: Pharmacy Research in Health Care and Manufacturing towards Achieving International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Goals. Keynote Speaker: Prof. Calvin Andeve, United States International University – Africa
- 3. Symposium for the School of Pure and Applied Sciences Theme: Sustainable Chemistry Keynote Speaker: Ms. Josephine E. Mwihaki Kenyatta university
- Symposium for School of Social Sciences Theme: AI and Social Change: Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations in the 21-Century innovation. Keynote Speaker: Allan Cheboi – Co-Founder, Center for Information and Data Analysis (CIDA)
- Symposium for School of Education Theme: Research in Education Reforms: Implications of Competency Based Curriculum on Higher Education. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jane Gatua – Quality Assurance Officer (Ministry of Education)
- Symposium – School of Business and Economics Theme: Sustainable Business Practices for Social Economic Development Keynote Speaker: Mr. Constant Wamayuyi National Assembly of Kenya, Economist
The week-long symposium was designed to promote research, creativity, and entrepreneurship among students and staff. The importance of the symposium for both students and staff, was to provide a unique learning opportunity. It also aimed to expose students to new ideas and show them that they can do something else apart from employment.
The School of Education engaged students and staff in discussions about the future of education. A key topic of conversation was the impact of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) on higher education. One student shared their thoughts on how CBC is shaping the future of education and the responsibilities it places on young people in three significant ways:
- The future of innovation where CBC emphasizes the use of technology, encouraging young people to embrace technological advancements in their education and careers.
- The future of resource mobilization ensuring that adequate resources are available to facilitate innovation.
- The future of impeccable character whereby integrity, good morals and strong ethics are essential in managing resources responsibly, which will, in turn, drive successful innovation.
The event brought together students, staff and education experts to discuss innovative approaches and research within the education sector. A key message shared during the event was the recognition that education is a fundamental human right and everyone, regardless of their abilities or background, is entitled to quality education. More inclusive environments should be created whereby learners can thrive and benefit from equal education opportunities.
