Kenyan university lecturers have been caught napping twice in the recent past. The first was the onset of the structural adjustment program which come with massive job cuts, and other issues. Lectures who were fond of enjoying generous allowances found themselves on perilous state that pushed some to sell mandazis and others in the matatu industry to survive.
The scenario was the “Matiangi’ effect which ended moonlighting among university lecturers. This coupled with the outbreak of COVID 19 exacerbate the situation.
University don were left with no choice but be innovative and look at ways start commercializing their research and generate income.
This formed the basis of discussion on “Commercialization of Research Findings” discussion conducted by Dr. Robert Karanja, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Villgro Africa during the first Research Excellence and Sustainable Innovation Series 2023.
Karanja said commercialization and innovation requires reliable, coordinated and predictable flow of information and technology among people, enterprises and, institutions and academia plays a critical role as the creator of innovators.
He however said the business model of the academia must be informed by the innovation systems thinking to play a dual role in research, development and innovation. The discussion was attended by deans and faculty members from various school.
