As part of the ongoing first-years orientation, today the new students were introduced to the importance of research and innovation in shaping their academic and career journeys.

Director of Research and Innovation, Dr. Alloys Osano, highlighted the transformative power of research, citing the example of the M-Pesa innovation by a JKUAT student. He encouraged students to join the Innovation Club at Maasai Mara University, where their ideas can be nurtured and supported to become real solutions.

The guest speaker, Francis Okwara, Senior Innovation Officer at KENIA, inspired the students to embrace creativity and problem-solving. He commended Mmara-U for supporting innovations such as the ongoing biogas project and reminded students not to sit on their big ideas. He urged them to collaborate, be curious, and never fear failure, as it provides an opportunity to refine ideas. He further announced that KENIA is preparing to launch a program to support university innovation clubs and startups across the country.

Mr. Marjan Khamis, representing the Office of the DVC Research, Innovation and Outreach, reinforced the call for students to actively participate in innovation, emphasizing that the Innovation Club offers them a platform to grow their ideas into impactful projects.

First-year students were reminded that at Maasai Mara University, innovation and research is central to providing solutions for society and opening doors to global opportunities.