Kibabii University, Kenya
About Kibabii University
Kibabii University is situated in Bungoma County in western Kenya along Kenya – Uganda Highway. It is located seven kilometers from the central business district (CBD) of Bungoma town. The name ‘Kibabii’ has some profound historical significance. The word ‘Kibabii’ linguistically linked to one of the local communities means “live¬stock returning to a cowshed” or a sanctuary. Symbolically, the University is a place where people from all walks of life would come to gather for purposes of gaining knowledge and skills. Kibabii University is a fast growing fully-fledged Public University established in accordance with the Universities Act (2012) through the award of Kibabii University Charter November 14th 2015. The University has two faculties: Faculty of Science and of Education and Social Sciences (FESS) and three Schools namely School of Computing and Informatics (SCAI), Business and Economics (SOBE) and of Graduate Studies (SGS). These Faculties and Schools offer various courses at Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral levels. The vision of the University is to be a global and dynamic University of excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation. Kibabii University embodies the view that Science, Technology and Innovation are critical for sustainable utilization of material and human resources for the posterity of the universe. Thus, human beings have the moral obligation to creatively improve the environment. This is achieved in Kibabii University through a well-conceptualized educational, scientific, technological and innovative package through which our students rightfully experiences and acquires the tools to facilitate this philosophy. It is the University’s mission to achieve excellence in generation, transmission and enhancement of new knowledge in Science, Technology and Innovation through quality Teaching, Research, Training, Scholarship, Consultancy and Outreach programmes. The University has established itself as an emerging centre in teaching, training, research and innovation in the region. For more information visit us on: www.kibu.ac.keProject Team

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Benedict M. Mutua is a full Professor of Water Resources, Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering. He is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Partnerships, Research and Innovation) at Kibabii University, Kenya. He obtained his PhD in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from the Universität für Bodenkultur (BOKU) Wien (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria. He obtained his MEng. Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Melbourne, Australia where he specialised in Hydraulics Engineering. He also obtained another MSc. in Water Resources Engineering from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel where he Specialised in Water Resources and Systems Management). He obtained his BSc. in Agricultural Engineering from Egerton University, Kenya. In addition, Prof. Dr. Ing-Benedict M. Mutua obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Water Resources Management from Tel Aviv University, Israel and a Diploma in Soil and Water Engineering from Egerton University, Kenya. He has also done a number of Postdoctoral Research studies in different countries. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Benedict M. Mutua started his teaching and research career in 1990 at Egerton University, Kenya. He has a wealth experience in teaching, research, administration and Project Management. He is currently the Team Leader and Principal Investigator for a number of on-going funded projects including the AHEAD Project at Kibabii University.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Benedict M. Mutua’s research interests include and not limited to; Applied Hydraulics, Fluid Mechanics and Dynamics, Water Resources Engineering, Climate Change and Applied Hydrology. He is experienced in the application of Hydraulics and Hydrological models in solving Water Resources challenges in River Basins, Flood prediction, Drought assessment and forecasting as well as in Climate and Land use change studies. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Benedict M. Mutua is involved in a number of Community outreach and Extension Services especially in the area of Water, Sanitation, Health and Education. He has recently developed a Simplified Planning Tool (SPT) for Integrated Water Supply and Sanitation in Small and Fast growing Towns in Kenya. He has presented his research work in many international conferences. He has supervised many postgraduate students both at MSc., PhD and Postdoctoral levels and has published several scientific articles in reputable Journals. He has also published a number of books and book chapters. He has been invited as a Visiting Professor in many Universities globally. He is currently serving as a member of the Jury Board at the Pan African University (PAU) at Tlemcen University, Algeria. He is a member of several International, Regional and National Professional bodies. He serves as a member of the Editorial Board in a number of International Journals. He is also a member of several International Scientific Conference Committees. He is an External Examiner for several Universities. He has won several European Union, African Union, Regional, National and other Internationally funded research projects. He has traveled widely and has collaborative research activities and joint postgraduate students’ supervision in several countries. He has been trained in many professional short courses both nationally and internationally. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Benedict M. Mutua has received several recognitions as a Professor, Mentor, Manager, Administrator, Leader and Researcher. He desires to continuously provide an all-inclusive leadership with a focus built on three (3) pillars namely; the People, Processes and Products.

Dr. Ong’anyi holds a PhD in Population Geography. He is the Director, Research, Consultancy and Extension and a Lecturer in Social Sciences Department at Kibabii University (KIBU) since 2013. He holds a PhD in Population Geography from the University of Nairobi. He has a wealth of experience in managing EU and USAID funded Projects having worked as a Field Cordinator in a number of USAID funded projects in Western, Central and upper Eastern Kenya from 2003 to 2009. He is currently implementing EU funded Erasmus + Programme African Higher Education Leadership in Advancing Inclusive Innovation for Development / AHEAD Project. He has conducted a lot of consultancy, and scientific and policy research on various issues and published extensively in several peer reviewed journals in the areas Population Studies, Livelihoods and HIV and AIDS. He is currently undertaking Universal Health Care Needs Assessment for the Aging Population in Kenya, and Innovative Agribusiness Approach to Cassava (Manihot esculenta) and Millet (Eleusine spp) Value Chain Enhancement Research Projects. Dr. Ong’anyi is a member of Population Association of Kenya and an Alumni of the University of Nairobi and the National Centre of Competence in Reserach, North-South, Switzerland.

Dr. Muganda Munir is a Lecturer of Finance in the School of Business and Economics, at Kibabii University. He holds a PhD in Finance and Accounting. He is currently a member of the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP), a member of the American Finance Association; Member, International Association for Accounting Education & Research; Member, Association of Financial Advisers and the World Economics Association (WEA). As a specialist in financial and human capital development, Dr. Munir work has focused on human interventions amongst companies across East Africa on optimal solutions for being competitive. Previously, he has been involved in various projects of rolling out financial literacy programmes to SMEs. As an alumnus of the World Bank Institute and International Trade Centre his key research interests include financial sector analysis and policy; economic analysis of investments; agricultural trade and investment; development in agricultural trade; environmental and natural resource economics; poverty, labour markets and income distribution issues, with emphasis on multiple dimensions of poverty, youth employment and economic sustainability Dr. Munir has extensive University teaching and research experience, including supervision of postgraduate students and has published widely in banking, finance and economics journals.

Ms. Irene Simiyu holds a Master of Education (Teacher Education) degree fron the Aga Khan University, Institute for Educational Development (AKUIED)-Dar-es-Salaam. She is a lecturer in the department of English, Literature, Journalism and Mass Communication at Kibabii University since 2015. She has published extensively in peer reviewed journals in the areas of Literacy, Student and Teacher Learning. Ms. Irene is a member of the International Literacy Association (ILA), Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and Kenya Association of Education Administration and Management (KAEAM). She is a member of the team implementing the EU funded Erasmus + Program African Higher Education Leadership in Advancing Inclusive Innovation for Development –AHEAD project.

Mr. Stephen Ogallo is full time staff of Kibabii University working in the capacity of a Geography Technologist. He’s is a seasoned Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRR/M) practitioner with vast knowledge and experience in DRR/M and Early Recovery Programming. He holds postgraduate qualifications in Disaster Preparedness and Engineering Management. Mr. Ogallo has a cumulative 10 years of working in a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral environment in institutions of higher learning which has packaged him adequately with values and valuable experience in operational research, development and extension programmes across the divide. His competence in scientific writing and scientific protocol development span from formulation of concepts, excellent technical project reporting, academic publishing (papers & posters), documentation and dissemination skills. Additionally, he draws a strong background in Geographical Information and Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing applications which is a part of the broader decision support and artificial intelligence body of knowledge and which reserves relevance in a universe of fields and applications. He has successfully undertaken various assignments in previous engagements with a plethora of organizations including National and County Governments, UN Agencies, Humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, World Vision, Christian Aid among others. Mr. Ogallo is a team player and an ardent believer of team spirit.

Ms. Stellah Obutu Nyameino a Senior Administrative Assistant in the Division of Planning, Partnerships, Research and Innovation at Kibabii University. I am a holder of MSc degree in Human Resource Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and a Bachelor of Business Management from Masinde Mulilo University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kenya. I have a vast administrative work experience as an Administrative Assistant on Human Resources for Health (HRH) Kenya programme under MMUST-HRH Kenya project, and as a trained auditor for ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems. I am a member of Kenya National Secretaries Association (KENASA) with a lot of research interest Human Resource Development and Training

Joshua Odhiambo Owiti Emerges Tops at the KIBU AHEAD Project Students’ Innovation Competition 2020
A third-year student has won the Inaugural Kibabii University Students’ Innovation Challenge 2020. Joshua Odhiambo of the Faculty of Science emerged winner after thorough vetting from the Research and Innovation Technical Committee with his project entitled: Production of Charcoal Briquettes using Waste Papers. The competition was conducted at the Faculties and Schools level between 22nd and 23rd October 2020 while the grand finale at the University wide level was held on 28th October 2020. Initially, the contest planned for 29th April 2020 was disrupted by University closure due to COVID-19 pandemic.
This Challenge is part of the European Union Funded African Higher Education Leadership in Advancing Inclusive Innovation for Development (AHEAD) Project activities geared towards helping nurture innovative ideas into powerful business models and activation of a series of innovative solutions for various community challenges.
The areas of focus for this year’s Innovation Challenge themed “Sustainable Innovation and Kenya’s Big Four National Agenda” were Food Security and Nutrition; Universal Health Coverage; and Affordable Housing in line with the Big Four Agenda of the Government of Kenya.
The awards ceremony that was held on 27th November 2020 was graced by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Ipara Isaac Odeo. The winners and finalists took home various awards in form of certificates, cash rewards and trophies.
According to the Director of Research, Consultancy and Extension Dr. Paul Obino, this inaugural contest sets the stage for even bigger and better events of this nature going forward.
Unveiling AHEAD Equipment
Kibabii University led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo presided over the unveiling of European Union (EU) funded AHEAD project equipment on 22nd January, 2020 at Senate boardroom. The state of the art equipment included:
- Seven (7) laptop
- One (1) Multi-media projector
- Four (4) external hard disks
- One (1) multi-functional printer
- Five (5) tablets
- One (1) interactive whiteboard
To foster inclusive innovation, the equipment will be used to set up an innovation hub at the University which will be open to staff, students and other stakeholders outside the university to nurture and mature their innovations.
Kibabii University community is grateful for this donation and the support of EU and partners.
AHEAD Training of Trainers in Birmingham, UK
AHEAD Train the Trainers Workshop.
The AHEAD train the trainers workshop took place between 21st and 24th of May 2019 in Birmingham, United Kingdom and was hosted by Birmingham City University. The aim of the joint training event was to ensure the transferability and multiplication of the AHEAD open educational recourses (OERs) by preparing faculty members and researches from the PC universities to teach and/or train in the area of innovation management and inclusive innovations, as well as entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship education.
Around 35 representatives from the AHEAD partnership participated in the training and had the chance to discuss the topics including: Delivery of entrepreneurship teaching/ training; Human-centred Design, Design Thinking and Social innovation, customer development process; Innovation systems; Types of innovations; Technological learning, technological catch-up, technological leapfrogging; Inclusive and Grassroots innovation.
During the first day the participants were welcomed by the head of the Business school Prof Nassim Belbaly and the AHEAD project manager from BCU Dr Charlotte Carey. The head of Business and Innovation Department of the Birmingham City Council Mr. Mohammed Zahir presented the policy perspective of innovations and entrepreneurship by sharing the main points from the Business Growth Programme. The Urban M project led by Birmingham City Council was also discussed showing a good example of partnership working and innovation in the cities. Kibabii University Team was headed by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Benedict M. Mutua, DVC (Planning, Partnerships, Research and Innovation). Other team members from Kibabii University included Dr. P. Obino Ong’anyi, Director (Research, Consultancy and Extension), Dr. Munir M. Muganda, Chairman of Department (Business Administration & Management) and Ms. Irene Simiyu, Lecturer, English Literature.
Furthermore, guest lecturers from Birmingham City University and Coventry University presented various case studies including the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) – the most successful government funded programme for linking the business and the universities; and the STEAM house – a collaboration space for developing innovations by entrepreneurs and start-ups where free business support is provided, as well as access to makerspace workshops and co-working space, a programme of STEAMlabs and events led by industry experts from many different sectors.
The next days were structured into training sessions following the topics from the OERs which were moderated by the respective European partner. The academic staff from the African universities also had the chance to go on a study visit to the STEAM house while the project coordinators reviewed the AHEAD project implementation; management and upcoming activities.

Download: AHEAD Project Leaflet

Kibabii University Innovation Challenge 2020
Theme: “Sustainable Innovation and Kenya’s Big Four National Agenda”
INTRODUCTION
Kibabii University Innovation Challenge 2020 is an initiative of Kibabii University as part of European Union Funded African Higher Education Leadership in Advancing Inclusive Innovation for Development (AHEAD) Project to activate a series of innovative solutions for various community challenges. The Challenge will bring together students that care about building such solutions and are willing to ideate, deliberate and innovate for offering innovative solutions. Kibabii University will select the most feasible ideas and enable willing innovators/entrepreneurs in prototyping, testing and implementing to create an impact with the innovations. The goal of challenge is to support and accelerate the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem at the University.
The Challenge encourages all KIBU Students, Startups and Young Innovators who have innovative ideas and big dreams about starting their own business ideas. It provides an excellent opportunity to learn from successful industry mentors, to nurture their innovative ideas into powerful business models and pitch them to the top investors/venture capitalist in future.
Key Areas
The focus for the year 2020 KIBU innovation challenge is on ‘Sustainable Innovation and Kenya’s Big Four Agenda’.
S/N | Key Areas | Concentration/Fields |
1. | Food Security and Nutrition |
|
2. | Enhancing Manufacturing |
|
3. | Universal Health Coverage |
|
4. | Affordable Housing |
|
Evaluation Criteria
The Criteria for selection of the innovation is based upon:
- Novelty of the innovation
- The scientific quality of the innovation
- Innovativeness and hyper-local solution
- The innovation addressing one or more of the themes mentioned
- The innovation scalability
- The innovation feasibility, marketability and sustainability
- The innovation socially acceptability
Evaluation Process
The evaluation process will be carried out in 3 phases by the panel of mentors and experts.
- Phase 1 – Scrutinizing the Applications at Faculty/School Level
- Phase 2 –Pitching the Ideas to the Panel of judges at Faculty/School Level. The best two individual/teams will be selected at Faculty/School level
- Phase 3 – Grand Finale and Demo Day
The projects submitted to the Innovation Challenge are evaluated by a judge panel consisting of representatives from Faculty/Schools. The panel members are required to keep confidential any information provided by the candidates in regards to the Innovation prize, except for the information made public for communication purposes. The decision of the evaluation panel, based on the evaluation criteria above cannot be contested.
Eligibility
- The Challenge is open to all duly registered students at Kibabii University in academic year 2019-2020 who have innovative ideas
- Students can participate individually or in a team of note more than five members
- Each team should have a University staff as guide. Any student (either as team or otherwise) can submit maximum of two entries.
Commitment
The student innovators (or their sponsors) commit themselves to:
- Cater for all costs for developing their innovations, and travel and upkeep during the presentations and exhibition.
- Take responsibility for providing the KIBU Innovation Committee with any information necessary for the evaluation of their project
- Ensure that all information provided is true, accurate, current and not misleading or likely to mislead. If this is not adhered to, the candidate will be eliminated or be obliged to reimburse the reward.
Benefits to the participants
- Incubation Support
- Mentorship Support
- Networking Session
- Access to workshops and training
- Product design and development support.
- Intellectual Property Management protection
- Winners will get cash prizes, participation certificate and trophies.
- Best staff award for mentoring winning team/individual
Deadline for receiving applications : up-to the time the University reopens
EVENT TIMELINE
Milestone/Key Event | Key Dates |
Announcement | 21th February 2020 |
Submission of Applications | 21st Feb-20th March 2020 |
Deadline for submission of the applications | 20th March 2020 |
1st Round of Selection at Faculty/School | |
Scrutinizing the Applications at Faculty/School Level | 23rd March 2020 |
Top five (5) individuals/teams to be shortlisted and notified | 24th March 2020 |
2nd Round of Selection at Faculty/School | |
Idea Pitching by the Top five (5) individuals/teams. | 2nd April 2020 |
Selection of two best individuals/teams at Faculty/School Level | 2nd April 2020 |
Notification two best individuals/teams at Faculty/School Level | 3rd April 2020 |
3rd Round of Selection | |
Top four (4) teams drawn from Faculties/Schools pitch their idea to the panel of judges and mentors drawn from the Research Committee | 9thApril 2020 |
Selection of category winners | 9thApril 2020 |
Award and certification and award of category winners | 9thApril 2020 |
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Application forms can be obtained at kibu.ac.ke
- All applications must be written in English only, Times New Roman, Font 12
- All participants must attach a copy of their student identity card indicating their eligibility
- Duly filled applications form should be submitted by email and hardcopy to innovationchallenge2020@kibu.ac.ke and to the Director, Research, Consultancy and Extension (Office: ABB 214) respectively
- Deadline for receiving applications : up-to the time the University reopens
- All applicants will be informed on the results of the selection process at all phases
Download: Call for Application
Download: Application Form