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Matiang’i tips varsities on how to monetise research

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Dr Fred Matiang’i, the Education secretary, speaks at the Aga Khan University graduation ceremony on February 10, 2016. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE

Education secretary Fred Matiang’i has challenged universities to develop research material that they can sell to raise funds for the institutions.

Dr Matiang’i noted that the institutions can derive financial gain from their research by setting up technology incubators, developing their entrepreneurship training and pursuing links with the government and industry.

He was speaking Wednesday at a graduation ceremony at the Aga Khan University (AKU) where 57 students graduated with degrees in Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Medicine and Master of Education. 

“For us to realise Kenya Vision 2030, the country needs quality university education where the focus is on empowering students for real world challenges they will face after graduation and not mass university education,” said Dr Matiang’i.

Jobless graduates

Universities have been under pressure to align their training with the needs of the job market, to reduce the number of jobless graduates by matching student numbers with available opportunities in various sectors of the economy.

AKU president Firoz Rasul added that in addition to performing the jobs for which they are trained, graduates should also volunteer their time, expertise and leadership as members of civil society groups to address challenges facing their communities and countries.

The university has been partnering with established institutions to offer industry-specific training at both graduate and post-graduate levels.

Last year the institution entered into a partnership with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle to develop training programmes for media and communication professionals at the AKU Graduate School of Media and Communications in Westlands, Nairobi.

AKU recently announced plans to invest more than Sh100 billion in East Africa over the next 15 years, the largest private investment in higher education in the history of the region.