Industrialist Narendra Raval urges varsities to embrace research

Industrialist Narendra Raval says industry players are ready to aid universities in commercialising viable innovative products. [File, Standard]

Industrialist Narendra Raval has urged universities to increase research and innovation projects to accelerate job creation to curb protests led by youths.

Mr Raval, who is the Devki Group of Companies chairman, expressed concern over the persistent unrest led by Gen Z.

Raval blamed the discontent among the youth on unemployment and incitement by politicians.

Speaking during the fourth Meru University of Science and Technology International Conference (MUSTIC), he said industry players were ready to aid the universities in commercialising viable innovative products.

MUST Vice Chancellor Romanus Odhiambo noted they have spearheaded research on clay-based cement, production of animal feed from Black Soldier Flies, value addition of miraa as well as precision agriculture and is keen to commercialise them to raise funds for the varsity.

"The protests by the youth are a result of joblessness, hunger, and abuse by politicians. We must move with speed and change our perception, and use our innovations to keep the youth busy. No Kenyan enjoys the loss of the young people in protests," Raval said.

He said Devki Group of Companies was ready to collaborate with Meru University in research on iron ore within Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, where mineral deposits are available.

"There are a lot of iron ore deposits in the region and I would urge the university to focus on researching the viability of mining. I am willing to buy the iron ore from this region," Raval said.

The Devki Group of Companies chairman told the participants that his companies were aiming to employ more than 30,000 Kenyans directly, up from the current 14,000 in various investments across the country.

Dr Jemimah Onsare, the director of research at the Ministry of Education rooted for increased innovation, saying this would get the Gen Z generation out of the streets.

Onsare said the establishment of the State Department Science, Research and Innovation was a pointer that the government was keen on supporting research in higher education.

Prof Odhiambo revealed that the institution was focusing on precision agriculture research.

"We intend to set up the first centre for precision agriculture in Africa in partnership with Italian institutions. This will go a long way in addressing the challenges affecting food production on the continent," he said.

To strengthen collaboration with international institutions, the VC said the varsity was setting up a Department of Foreign Languages.

The Council Chairman James Ireri disclosed that the institution had put aside resources to support production and commercialisation of innovations after incubation.