Entrepreneurs have been
challenged to pursue ventures that can protect the environment and generate
income.
Addressing participants
while opening the first-ever Africa Innovation Festival at Kenyatta University,
Environment and Natural Resources Cabinet Secretary Prof Judi Wakhungu urged
the youth to look at business opportunities presented and help conserve and
protect the environment while financially empowering themselves.
The three-day innovation
festival has attracted exhibitors and inventors who are showcasing manufactured
products that focus on energy conservation and creating business opportunities.
The innovation festival
is a project of the Kenyatta University Chandaria Business Innovation and
Incubation Centre and has attracted exhibitors and participants from around the
country.
Some of the exhibitors
include briquette makers, organic fertilizer manufacturers and energy saving
jikos distributors.
The festival theme is:
'Climate change mitigation and adaption' and aims at identifying innovative
solutions to climate change.
The best exhibitor will
walk away with a $5,000 (Sh500,000) prize.
Prof Wakhungu said the
Africa Innovation Festival is meant to provide a platform for innovators to
showcase their innovations and ideas and Kenyatta University has been
recognized for taking the lead in support of innovation festivals that has
helped achieve the objective of United Nations of climate change.
The CS said the ministry
has developed a climate change response action and the state expects
institutions of higher learning, tertiary institutions and secondary schools to
support innovation.
She urged the private
sector to support the government in strengthening the innovation systems.
Acting Vice Chancellor
of Kenyatta University, Prof Paul K Wainaina said the University will support
innovation and technology.