The Africa Centre of Excellence National Steering Committee today visited the University to assess the World Bank and Government of Kenya funded INSEFOODS project. The team led by the Principal Secretary, Amb. Simon Nabukwesi toured the projects to compare strengths of the performance of the three Centers of Excellence including the JOOUST Africa Center of Excellence in Sustainable Use of Insects as Food and Feeds.
The team toured the facilities contained therein which included exhibitions, E-JOOUST library, Center for E-Learning, teaching facilities, insect farm and NERICA rice research, food laboratory and the Research Center in Miyandhe. While giving his opening remarks, the Principal Secretary, Amb. Nabukwesi noted that indeed the objectives for setting up the projects have been achieved though more still needs to be done. “I am happy with the researchers as evidenced by the work I have seen. This is commendable.” Said Amb. Nabukwesi.
The Principal Secretary noted that the Ministry will look into supporting commercialization of research projects while also encouraging the ACE 11 projects to come together with a view of bringing synergies to brainstorm on areas of sustainability.
The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Stephen Agong’ noted that JOOUST’s niche areas are food security and Fresh Water Science. He added that the University has already established the Pii Institute as an offshoot of the INSEFOODS center. “We would like to thank the Government of Kenya for the funding that was given to set up facilities such as the laboratories including the Research Laboratories that was officially opened by H.E the President of the Republic of Kenya Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta.” Said Prof. Agong’.
The team comprised of the CEO Commission for University Education, Prof. Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, CEO NACOSTI Prof. Walter O. Oyawa, Ag. CEO National Research Fund Dr. Jemimah G. Onsare, CEO Kenya Innovation Agency, Dr. Tonny Kerage Omwansa and Mr. Darius Mogaka, Director In-charge of University Education including Mr. Darius Mogaka and Mr. Paul Mungai, National Co-ordinator ACE project. In attendance were the Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning, Administration and Finance, Prof. Francis Ang’awa, Prof. Joseph Bosire Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs, Prof. Benson Estambale Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation and Outreach.