Kibabii University has for the 6th time hosted a highly successful Bi-annual Virtual International Conference. The theme for this year’s conference was “Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Health Solutions”. The two-day conference held between 14th and 15th June, 2023 brought together delegates from around the world to explore critical themes related to science, technology, innovation, and socio-economic transformation. The event was officially opened by the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Paul Mungai, who represented the Principal Secretary, Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Inyangala. It was also graced by Mr. Francis Asunah, representing the Chairman of Council and officially closed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo.
The Conference witnessed significant contributions by delegates from 48 institutions, with 90 paper presentations covering a wide range of topics. The topics included Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Health Solutions; Industrialization and Manufacturing; Climate Change, Food Security, and Agricultural Transformation; Digital Solutions for the Development of MSMEs and Government Services; Global Quality Education and Socio-Economic Transformation; and ICT for Job Creation and Youth Empowerment. There were also presentations in crosscutting areas.
Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Health Solutions:
Presentations in this area focused on groundbreaking approaches to addressing global health challenges. Delegates explored innovative solutions to enhance healthcare access, affordability, and equity, leveraging advancements in science, technology, and innovation.
Industrialization and Manufacturing:
Discussions revolved around sustainable industrial development, manufacturing processes, and their contribution to economic growth. Delegates shared insights on fostering innovation, productivity, and inclusive industrialization, paving the way for job creation and economic prosperity.
Climate Change, Food Security, and Agricultural Transformation:
Delegates highlighted the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on food security. The conference explored sustainable agricultural practices, climate-resilient systems, and innovative approaches to ensure food security while preserving the environment.
Digital Solutions for MSMEs and Government Services:
Presentations under this theme showcased digital solutions that promote the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and enhance government service delivery. Discussions centered around leveraging technology for entrepreneurship, e-governance, and citizen-centric services.
Global Quality Education and Socio-Economic Transformation:
Delegates delved into the role of education in fostering socio-economic transformation. Discussions covered the importance of equitable access to quality education, lifelong learning, and the integration of technology in education systems.
ICT for Job Creation and Youth Empowerment:
Presentations explored the transformative potential of information and communication technology (ICT) in addressing unemployment and empowering youth. Discussions focused on digital skills development, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for youth in the digital economy.
In his closing remarks, the Vice Chancellor lauded the high quality presentations and called upon presenters to do timely publications. He also implored upon them to quickly engage efforts towards applying the interventions proposed in their papers to mitigate challenges and improve the quality of life for mankind.
The event’s success was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the organizing committee, as well as the valuable contributions from the Ministry of Education, and a host of supporters including the County Government of Bungoma among other partners. We extend our gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and look forward to the positive impact that the conference outcomes will have on global development.
