Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University Poised to Lead in Blue Economy Innovation and Research – CS Migos

Photos courtesy of the Directorate of Communication, County Government of Siaya.

Migos was speaking at the 12th graduation ceremony held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo on Friday 18 October, 2024.

Given the limited resources allocated for expansion the university needed to attract investments that complement government efforts in infrastructure development, Mr Migos noted.

“I call upon the leadership of the institution to explore creative possibilities on how this facility can be made into a regional technological hub,”

However, Migos appreciated infrastructural work done by the JOOUST administration saying the facility will go a long way in expanding Research and Innovations that aim at transforming local universities.

“Am also glad to note that JOOUST together with Kenya National Innovation Agency has developed a commercialization master plan to entrench its institution as a leading center in innovation and research. This is a proof of focus on research and innovation that can transform our universities.

He further urged the management not to give up in entrenching initiatives that will see the dream behind research institutions grow and thrive.

“I urge the management to fully implement this vision to fruition,” said Migos adding that he shall chip in where necessary for the institution’s goals to be realized.

Migos lauded the strategic position of the Blue Economy Institute that is run by JOOUST.

“The positioning of the JOOUST’s Blue Economy Research Institute provides an opportunity for it to grow into a genuine hub of Research and Innovation.”

The project aims at playing a critical role in improving the livelihood of the people of Kenya and beyond through Blue Economy Research.

The grand vision of the project is to entrench the University in the forefront of providing the necessary highly skilled human resource and advanced research solutions for the budding Blue Economy.

This highly specialized laboratory will be used to undertake research projects and support both post-graduate and undergraduate students in Molecular Research Systems. Due to proximity to freshwater ecosystems the University has distinguished itself to steer the fisheries and aquatic technology among other freshwater sciences.

The University has already gained a global audience stemming from its research incentives.

It has attracted both international and local funding opportunities including the World Bank funded Africa Center of Excellence in Sustainable Use of Insects as Food and Feeds (INSEFOODS) project, which was established with the aim of addressing the challenges of sustainable food security using insects as human food and animal feed.

Consequently, JOOUST has received a number of grants from state corporations like the National Research Fund (NRF), The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), VLIR-UOS among others.

In conclusion the Cabinet Secretary assured Kenyans that the government is determined to ensure that all students pursuing education at university level will be funded equitably and there should be no fears over the rollout of the new university students funding scheme.