PATENT OR PERISH

On 16^th February 2012, the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) held a sensitization workshop at Kabarak University with the theme “Opportunities under Science, Technology and Innovation” (ST&I). Present were members from the NCST led by their C.E.O. Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, KABU led by the V.C Prof. Dankit Nassiuma, KARI officials, KEMRI, Mount Kenya University, Egerton University, Kenya Methodist University among others. Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak was the main speaker, zeroing in on innovations and the role of NCST in this.

He began by emphasizing that Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) is the bedrock upon which vision 2030 lies, an addition to what the D.V.C, Prof. Peter Kibas, had termed as the key to everything. The social, political and economic pillars are founded on this very foundation, failure to which no progress may be made. It is research that has seen countries like South Africa ranked 50^th on the global scale while Kenya still averages at position 102. In comparing the two countries, it was noted that Kenya had 6.6% and South Africa 46.4% of the subcontinent’s publications in 2008.

“Transformative research is vital,” he continued. Bearing in mind the population explosion facing the world today, even higher figures are yet to be. However, it is only the population that seems to ever increase; as the environment stagnates where it were ages ago. He encouraged research that aims at meeting demand, an idea shared by his colleague Dr. Kitaka, considering the impacts of research to the society.

“Research should shape policy, create wealth, knowledge and development, and address societal issues,” he continued. He insisted that it is not in order for innovators to live poor yet they own ideas that cause change. The knowledge generated from research should be used in shaping policies that affect the community at large.

In terms of grants, a hundred and sixty eight (168) research projects have been funded since the year 2008. In the South Rift region more than eighty three (83) million has been granted, of which KABU has received close to three million. Respondents between ages 41-50 are on the lead, thus challenging the younger generation. So far, 35 of the 62 universities and colleges in Kenya have received funding from NCST.

He finished by quoting Nelson Mandela who once said that “It always seems impossible…until it is done.” As such, all ought to embrace innovation. As Albert Einstein said, a new kind of thinking is needed when solving problems, different from the one in existent when creating it. 

by Njogu Bonface

MOBILE PHONES

NO LONGER A POCKET DEVICE

Ten years ago cell phones were devices for the chosen few. However, this is no longer the case. Majority now own and operate a cell phone with ease. The mobile industry is growing speedily, with the players therein grappling with the contending forces that shape its structure and competitive behavior. According to John Kieti, more than sixty seven people out of a hundred own (a) handset(s)! This therefore suggests that the mobile industry is indeed a booming business worth considering.

On 17^th February 21, 2012, Kabarak Universtiy hosted Mobile innovations Day. In attendance were Mlab East Africa, ESRI, as well as students from Kabarak and Egerton. Discussions on mobile innovations emanated with the insistence that cell phones are more than pocket devices. We use them to pay our bills, transfer cash, check market prices, connect with friends and relatives, browse the internet, book bus tickets among other tasks. How comes that this device, though small in size, has the ability to perform all these?

It takes collective efforts for these applications to be realized. Innovative minds are thus critical in this case. Courtesy of institutions like Mlab and ESRI, a handset is slowly becoming the darling of many, able to perform tasks that formerly took days to accomplish, yet at the comfort of ones home. By simply keying in some stipulated cords, one can even get the market prices of commodities.

In the workshop, students were called upon to position themselves in this emerging market. As they say, technology is in your hands. As such, coming up with new applications is more than creative: it is a highway to making money. Treating mobile phones with contempt is not a characteristic of today’s generation.