UON students feted in Unilever's innovation challenge

University of Nairobi students were feted at Unilever's Millet Conquest which was unveiled in February. [Courtesy, UoN]

Consumer goods manufacturer Unilever has unveiled the winners of the ‘Great Millet Conquest’.

Launched in February 2024, the Sh2 billion project aimed at supporting the innovative localisation of millet products into a sustainable and robust source of nutrients.

The competition which received 209 submissions reached its climax by the crowning of the top winner with a cash price of Sh500,000, while the second and third runners-up received Sh250,000 and Sh100,000 respectively.

The top winners will not only become millet ambassadors but will also get to work with the Unilever Future Leaders programme.

The Director for Food and Crops Dr Calistus Kundu who officiated the awarding event said Kenya produces below-average in millet productions and ‘such innovations will revolutionise Kenyan diets’.

He said the government is supporting sustainable initiatives that promote climate-resilient agriculture.

In a pioneering effort to transform Kenya’s agricultural sector, Unilever in partnership with Farm to Market Alliance (FTMA) and the University of Nairobi launched the ‘Great Millet Conquest’ aimed at inspiring the most inventive University students to develop sustainable and innovative products-based on millet, contributing to a robust and nourishing future.

Unilever CEO Luck Ochieng said millet is a nutritional powerhouse and it has the potential to reshape the future of sustainable farming in Africa and the world.

During the launch, Ochieng said the conquest would bring out the potential of millet as one of the crops that can be used to develop sustainable Agriculture.

He also said that he was looking forward to the various innovations from the students that will transform the traditional uses of Millet.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi said the conquest has the potential to be a game changer for Kenya’s agriculture.

The University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Kiama emphasised the need for industry players to work with universities to enhance the general development of competitiveness of agricultural production in the country.

He said the curriculum should also be designed to allow students more time to explore creativity and innovation and less time for class theory work.

“We must work with the industry to create opportunities for practical training and jobs for our students,” said Kiama.

The project seeking to further create a market for millet-based products was implemented by Unilever’s nutritional brand Knorr in three phases, capturing the product development, commercialisation and off-taking from farmers.