Universities within the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) held a workshop organized by the Bloc in Research and Training that brought together Universities and University Colleges within the region. The two -day workshop brought together researchers from universities within the Bloc to brainstorm on their areas of strength and programs that are relevant to the market needs.

The workshop whose theme was “LREB-Universities workshop and research capacity in the Lake Region”, sort to identify areas of collaboration and linkages between universities and industry. Speaking during the workshop, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Agong’ emphasized the importance of the partnerships between universities and industry. “Universities have to help the political leadership set the right tone when it comes to sustainable use of resource.” Said Prof. Agong’.

In attendance were; His Excellency. Hon. Cornel Rasanga, Governor Siaya County, His Excellency, Prof.  Paul Chepkwony, Governor Kericho County and His Excellency Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o the Governor Kisumu County.

The Governors expressed the importance of the socio-economic development though universities as drivers of the country’s’ agenda. They reiterated the need for the Lake Region Economic Bloc to work with Universities so as to increase research findings uptake in the region.

This was the first LREB-Universities in the Lake Region. The objective of the workshop was to demonstrate the capacity of the Universities in the region to contribute to research and extension for sustainable development. The university with the best in areas of research strengths will have the opportunity to host the research center of the relevant area of research.