Embu Uni innovation centre a game-changer in research

Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) has signed an MOU with the University of Embu and Gitutho Architects and Planners Limited towards a greener future through the development of a certified Carbon Zero building.

Embu University VC Prof Daniel Mugendi (right), Mugure Njendu, CEO of Gitutho Architects and Planners Company and Dr Edward Mungai, CEO of KCCIC after signing an MOU to work on green future within the university and its community. Photo/BRIAN MUSYOKA

 The green innovation centre will house and incubate entrepreneurs and businesses with the aim of addressing challenges of climate change and sustainable agricultural practices undertaken by locals.

The agreement will facilitate research, training, capacity development, sharing of facilities, joint organization of knowledge sharing and community service around green businesses and climate change.

Speaking during the signing of the agreement at Embu University, Dr Edward Mungai the CEO Kenya Climate Change Innovation Centre, he said the MOU will support scalable agriculture-based technologies and other innovations coming out of the University and the knowledge commercialized.

''KCIC will support by providing business incubation and acceleration services by providing advice on related intellectual property rights and strategies, commercial licensing options for the technologies and developing partnerships with commercial and industry partners for the purpose of deploying the technologies and innovations acquired, ‘said Mungai.

Technologies

The CEO said KCIC will also help Embu University where the Carbon Zero building will be set in to access funding opportunities so that it can support research on agriculture-based technologies and innovations.

University of Embu Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel Mugendi noted that the building is game changer to many undertakings being carried out by locals in Mt Kenya region.

Mugendi said the university will provide KCIC with a number of agricultural innovations and technologies which have been developed by the university or those which are underway so that it can commercialise them and accord support for those which have qualified.

''We will be providing KCIC with continuous access to our research faculty, innovators and students working on relevant agriculture-based technologies and innovations. They will also be able to have an access to Embu University control plots for research, development and testing of solutions such as fertilizers, seeds and methods of farming,'' said Prof. Mugendi.

Mugure Njendu the CEO Gitutho Architects and Planners Company said construction industry has become one of the most significant sectors that cause real environmental impacts through emission of gases in the atmosphere and that there was need to address the challenge. She said the company through the partnership will endeavour to transform construction industry through construction of environmentally sustainable buildings which promote health and protect environment through design and conceptualization of the Green Innovation Centre. 

Story by BRIAN MUSYOKA