Research will solve Africa's woes: Former President Daniel Moi

Retired President Daniel Moi, the Chancellor of Kabarak University, receives a Bible from the university‘s Vice-Chancellor Prof Rev Jones Kaleli (right) during the closing of the 5th Kabarak International Conference. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD]

Former President Daniel Moi has called on African universities to invest in serious research and innovation to solve problems facing the continent.

Moi, who was speaking in Kabarak University School of Law during the closing of the 5th Kabarak International Conference, said under-development in the global south nations is due to lack of serious research and innovation.

“It is time research takes the centre-stage in every university,” said Moi who is also the Kabarak University Chancellor.

He urged scholars and researchers to forge a powerful collaboration with the business sector to translate research findings into industries to create wealth and jobs. To achieve this, Moi said African universities should become the springboards of economic development in the continent.

“Silicon Valley became a world nerve centre because of research and technology from Stanford University. I urge universities and industries in this country to borrow a leaf from Stanford and Silicon Valley,” he said.
More than 250 participants from 26 local universities and six international universities attended the three-day event, which ended yesterday. Education Cabinet Secretary Prof Jacob Kaimenyi, in a speech read on his behalf by Dr George Obako, said the conference is a perfect embodiment of innovation.

Dr Obako also lauded the former head of State for his passion for quality education.

Other industry leaders who attended the conference include Prof Maggy Kigozi, executive officer of Pepsi Crown Beverages Company and Dr Marsella Ouma, executive director of Kenya Copyright Board.