Karatina University Holds the First Green Innovations Competition
Karatina University has started the process of establishing a green entrepreneurial culture with the aim of becoming a model green entrepreneurial university not only in Kenya, but world over. The University is mandated to train, carry out research and community outreach. This entails conducting trainings that are adaptable to the modern challenges, new and emerging technologies, experiential learning, continuous research and extension. To realize the above objectives, the University has developed a policy on the Green Concept where all the programs, services, projects and products are structured towards sustainable use of natural resources in attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals
Green Innovations competition week is an initiative that aims at stimulating and unleashing entrepreneurship and innovativeness among staff, students and the community of Karatina University. The competition provides the students with an opportunity to make a positive impact on society by addressing environmental issues through social and technological innovations, while contributing to their own economic benefit. The green innovations competition week is an annual activity supported by the University which is led by the Green University Concept Committee under the academic division.
The first competition was held on 22nd November, 2019 where students show cased their green innovative ideas which were graded and the award ceremony was on 19th February, 2020 presided over by the DVC (A,R&SA), Prof. P. Aloo-Obudho on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.
The committee received thirteen project applications where eleven projects from the following students were presented for grading:
1. Ann Thuo – SNRES
2. Sharon Jeruto – SESS
3. Vincent/Joseph/Evan/Simon – SAB
4. Nachale Marriam – SNRES
5. Lucy Muthoni – SAB
6. Comfort Maina/Lucy/Grace – SESS
7. Joseph/Kiboke/Wabuti – SAB
8. Mcleod Nyandiga – SPAS
9. Joseph Wambugu – SPAS
10. Rophy Barasa – SAB
11. Kevin/Mary – SPAS
Judges used a 10-point criteria where a grand score was computed and the average score derived. The judges are members of the green university concept committee whose chair is Dr. Mugo Mware and are drawn from four schools as follows: Dr. Michael Gachahi, SESS; Dr. Josphat Kagema, SESS; Dr. Dennis Maina, SAB; Dr. Kinya Miriti, SOB and Ms. Joan Wakasa Murumba, SPAS. All the students who sent their applications and participated were awarded with certificates of participation. Besides, the winners were presented with cash prizes donated by the Rufford Foundation Project led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (ARSA). The winning teams were ranked as indicated below:
1. Ann Thuo – SNRES
2. Kevin/Mary – SPAS
3. Joseph/Kiboke/Wabuti – SAB
4. Vincent/Joseph/Evans/Simon – SAB
The Green Innovation Competition was embraced well by the students and the turnout was commendable. The competition provided a platform for awareness creation on the Green University initiative which created interest, stimulated creativity and continues to instill a green entrepreneurial culture at Karatina university and with the community at large.