Government Wants Universities to Turn Research Into Businesses and Jobs

Kenyan universities are being encouraged to move beyond teaching and use their research, property and expertise to create new economic opportunities.

The government says institutions have valuable resources that could generate more public value while supporting learning, innovation and employment.

Research Could Become New Businesses

Principal Secretary for Public Investments and Assets Management Cyrell Wagunda said universities produce important research and innovations that often remain within laboratories or academic publications.

He urged institutions to improve systems for protecting intellectual property and transferring technology from researchers to businesses and the wider market.

According to Wagunda, stronger innovation and incubation programmes could help turn university research into products, services and businesses.

The approach could also create more opportunities for graduates by connecting academic work with real problems facing companies and communities.

Public Assets Put Under Spotlight

Wagunda also challenged universities to manage their physical resources more effectively.

He cited land, buildings, laboratories, ICT facilities, accommodation, research centres and equipment among the assets that should be properly maintained and put to productive use.

He clarified that asset optimisation should not simply mean selling public property or turning every facility into a commercial venture.

Instead, institutions are expected to ensure their assets remain productive, sustainable and useful to their academic and institutional goals.

More Links With Private Companies

Universities are also being encouraged to establish stronger relationships with businesses and other private-sector players.

Such partnerships could give students more opportunities to undertake internships, practical projects and training based on real workplace needs.

The government is further encouraging the use of public-private partnerships to bring additional capital and expertise into projects involving university assets.

Focus on Skills and Employment

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has previously called for stronger cooperation between learning institutions and industry.

The government wants universities and technical institutions to place greater emphasis on digital skills, entrepreneurship and problem-solving as they prepare young people for employment.

The latest push therefore places greater importance on making university research useful beyond the classroom while ensuring public assets contribute to institutional development.

The government expects the approach to strengthen innovation, create economic opportunities and help universities play a bigger role in Kenya's economic transformation.