SPEECH OF VICE CHANCELLOR KABARAK UNIVERSITY, REV. PROF. JONES KALELI DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE 3 RD INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE ON 15TH OCTOBER, 2013

Abstract

The 2nd President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Hon. Daniel T. Arap Moi, The Chairman Governing Council, Prof. John Lonyangapuo Members of Management Invited Guests Researchers, Ladies and Gentlemen I would like to start by welcoming you all to the 3rd International Research conference. This year’s conference focuses on applied Research and Innovation for Development. Research is a key activity 2 of a university and a crucial national asset. Kabarak University is committed to promote research among students and faculty as a core activity of the university. It is only through applied research that we can remain relevant and contribute towards problem solving and knowledge creation. Our vision as an institution of higher learning is ‘to become a centre of academic excellence founded on Biblical Christian values. The reason we seek to provide education from a Biblical Christian perspective is based on the fact that without a moral foundation individuals educated only in their minds are half baked. To be properly rounded up a person must be trained not only in their minds 3 but also in character as well. This is in accordance with the Biblical scripture which states and I quote 1 Timothy 4:8 “For physical training (academic, psychological, etc) is of some value, but goliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” However, without research and submission to the light of God’s word, this vision will only be a mirage in our eyes. As a leading center of academic excellence, we must be actively involved in continuous search for knowledge. 4 It is said that ‘research is a formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose’ (Zora Neale Hurston) thus as scholars we should be active in research as this is the key role to higher education. Research enables us to identify and conceptualize a problem and with this, we are able to provide the answers. Research enable us analyze and discuss issues that affect humanity. We have therefore continuously invested in the development of research culture, promotion of innovation and generation of knowledge. That is why, this year we have set aside a day for undergraduate students to present their findings as a way of nurturing future researchers. This initiative promotes innovation and creativity which leads to new products in the 5 market and defines the University as a creator and consumer of knowledge. Numerous discoveries and innovations have considerably improved our everyday lives and given us better understanding as a result of research activities. Ladies and gentlemen, Potential growth of any economy depends largely on rigorous research activities geared towards solving national problems and providing answers to industry. This initiative has potential to improve the ability of stakeholders such as industries, communities and the government to understand and tackle issues of national significance. There is need for researchers to focus on 6 applied research which is problem driven research that addresses specific human and industrial needs. This approach is critical as Kenya focuses on the attainment of Vision 2030. As I conclude my remarks I express special appreciation to His Excellency the 2nd President of the Republic of Kenya and the Chancellor of Kabarak University for his commitment and consistent support to Kabarak University and the Kenyan youth. May I also take this opportunity to thank all the presenters in this conference and encourage them that it is not only important to carry out research but it is necessary to share and disseminate information 7 to provide opportunity for implementation. I wish to recognize the critical role played by the planning committee and the Institute of Post Graduate Studies and Research of Kabarak University for the many hours they invested in planning to make this conference successful. I also wish to thank the National commission for Science, Technology and Innovation for consistently supported our research conferences. Thank you very much and God bless you all.