INTRODUCTION

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) was established in 2009 as a Constituent College of Maseno University following which it was granted a charter to a full-fledged public university on the 13th February 2013. The University derives its mandate of teaching and learning, research and community outreach from the Universities Act 2012 and its Charter. Article 7 of the Act gives the functions of the University as; (a) … “to provide for the integration of teaching, research and effective application of knowledge and skills to the life, work and welfare of citizens of Kenya; (b) “participate in scholarly work, the discovery, transmission, utilization, preservation and enhancement of knowledge …”.(f) establish new colleges, faculties, schools, institutes, departments, other resource and administrative units and centres”.

Subsequent to this provision, the University proposes to establish the Africa Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Use of Insects as Food and Feeds (INSEFOODS).

It is envisaged that INSEFOODS will play a leading role in the generation of new and/or expand existing knowledge in modern research and technology in edible insect science to enable the University contribute to the country’s Medium Term Plans, Vision 2030 and to the overall national development.  

The University promotes partnership in research with other academic and research institutions, the industry and communities nationally, regionally and internationally which benefits all stakeholders. It is proposed that through the INSEFOODS, the University will play a leading role in providing a framework for research, training and an enabling environment for researchers, trainers and their collaborators to carry out research, technology development and transfer and community service mandate.  

Through the development of human and infrastructural capacity, partnerships, biodiversity, and insect technology incubation and skills transfer, the established Centre will be contributing to the discovery, dissemination of research outputs and preservation of knowledge in edible insect science to enhance the economic and technological development of Kenya and the Africa region. By achieving its research, training, innovation and technology agenda INSEFOODS will be contributing immensely to the University as a science and technology institution.   
 

PURPOSE

INSEFOODS is established with the purpose of addressing the challenges of sustainable food security using insects as human food and animal feed.

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

The Strategic Objectives of the Centre are to:

  1. Build human resource and infrastructural capacity for research, training and technology development and transfer on insects as food and feed; 
  2. Build sustainable local, regional and international partnerships and networks for research, development and training on insects as food and feed;
  3. Develop a biodiversity repository of insects for food and feed in the region;
  4. Develop insect technology incubation and skills transfer hub for teaching and research.

 

VISION AND MISSION

Vision

A centre of excellence in edible insect research, training, innovation and technology for sustainable development.

Mission

To train high level human capacity, conduct research and innovation, and commercialize products, services and solutions that enhance the livelihoods of communities through outreach and extension programmes.

 

CORE VALUES

  • Fairness
  • Professionalism
  • Transparency and Accountability
  • Integrity
  • Meritocracy
  • Gender Equity
  • Sustainability