SPEECH OF, PROF. JOHN LONYANGAPUO, THE CHAIRMAN GOVERNING COUNCIL, DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE 3RD INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE ON 16TH OCT,2013

Abstract

The 2nd President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Hon. Daniel T. Arap Moi, Members of Management Participants, Invited Guests Ladies and Gentlemen Good morning. On behalf of the Governing Council I wish to welcome all participants to this important annual event. Research is an integral part of university activity and the primary purpose of research is to produce knowledge that can be applied within and outside academic setting. Research also forms the foundation of program development and policies everywhere around the universe. It also solves particular existing problems of concern. The theme of this year’s research points us to the direction that we need to focus our energy as people that the country is counting on to come up with new innovation . There is need to focus 3 more on innovation to address challenges facing our country and continent. Innovation is the application of better solutions that meet new requirements or existing market needs. Given the noticeable effects on efficiency, quality of life and productive growth, innovation is a key factor in society and economy. Consequently, policymakers must develop environments that will foster innovation. 4 Yet, an innovation and commercialization gap persists between new knowledge arising from Kenya’s research efforts and the needs of the market. Universities are both important sources of research because the innovation and commercialization gap in Kenya is so large. Investments in University applied research and innovation are an important component of a national strategy to achieve Kenya’s innovation target of becoming an industrialized nation by 2030. I therefore call upon all the participants to 5 think outside the box, for creativity and innovation requires people to think out of the normal. I wish you fruitful research presentation. Thank you and God bless you all.