KISII UNIVERSITY’S INNAUGURAL INNOVATION WEEK: CO-CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
April 7–10, 2026 | New Auditorium, Kisii University
Kisii University made history in April 2026, hosting its first-ever Innovation Week, a bold declaration of its transformation from a traditional teaching institution into an innovation-driven university. Under the theme “Co-creating a Sustainable Future Through Interdisciplinary Research, Green Innovation and Community Impact,” the four-day event brought together over 300 participants, 97 innovations, and 19 partner institutions from across Kenya.
A New Chapter for Kisii University
In his opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nathan Ogechi declared, “We cannot wait for perfect conditions to innovate; we must start with what we have, even if small.” He outlined the University’s strategic shift over the next three to five years, highlighting milestones such as training over 30 staff in intellectual property management, registering 13 innovations with the Kenya Copyright Board, and enrolling in KeNIA’s Commercialisation Support Programme.
Keynotes That Inspired Action
Prof. James Njiru, CEO of AICAD, called for stronger academia-industry-community linkages, urging researchers to align their work with practical needs. “Research disconnected from real-world application risks limited impact,” he cautioned.
Dr. Tony Omwansa, CEO of Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), addressed the notorious “Valley of Death” in innovation, the funding gap between idea and prototype. He encouraged Kisii University to consistently produce at least four viable start-ups annually, positioning graduates as job creators.
The Green Silicon Savannah Vision
Jeremy Riro the CEO of Fie_Labs Innovation Hub electrified the final day, unveiling a vision to transform South Western Kenya into a “Green Silicon Savannah” within 3–5 years. He championed the WEFE Nexus (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem) powered by Artificial Intelligence, noting that Africa’s vulnerability to climate change is actually its greatest innovation opportunity. “That farmer needs systems, technology, and partnerships, not sympathy,” he urged.
Innovations That Shine
Of the 89 innovations exhibited, standout projects included Kenya Watch AI (Overall Winner) by first-year student Douglas Mwebi, Banana Hair & Vegan Leather, MediBot, NeuroBridge, and Eco-Bricks from Plastic Waste. Kisii University dominated software and AI categories, while Kisii National Polytechnic excelled in hardware prototypes—revealing a powerful complementary synergy.
Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
The University appreciates our partners including KMFRI, Gusii Mwalimu SACCO, Elite Savers CBO and Chip Globe International. The official launch of Club Innovate, a student-led enterprise, ensures the momentum continues beyond the week.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural Innovation Week proved that Kisii University is no longer just a consumer of knowledge but a producer of solutions. As Prof. Ogechi put it, the start may be small, but the trajectory is upward. With structured mentorship, strategic partnerships, and a growing pipeline of green innovations, Kisii University is poised to become the heartbeat of Africa’s sustainable future
Strategic Synergies: The Power of Partnership on innovation
Innovation rarely happens in isolation. True to this spirit, we are proud to announce Partnership on Innovation with the following institutions: Technical University of Mombasa, University of Eldoret, and Maasai Mara University.
As a testament to the strength of this collaboration, Kisii University actively participated in the Innovation Week hosted by the Technical University of Mombasa, University of Eldoret and Maasai Mara University.
Visit to the Kisii University stand by Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for State Department for Science, Research and Innovation in Kenya.
We are thrilled to share that during the hackathons held at the Technical University of Mombasa Innovation Week, our student innovators brought home exceptional recognition: Notably, our students emerged Number 1 and Number 5 overall out of over 16 competing teams
The first-place team was Aquaflow project presented by Aron Barbra from the School of Information Science and Technology. The solution aims to prevent fish mortality using AI and IoT for real-time monitoring and prediction. They were awarded Ksh 200,000 from Web3Clubs.
The fifth-place team was Exam Proctor engine presented by Davis Ogega from the School of Information Science and Technology. The invention addresses critical gaps in remote examination integrity by providing comprehensive monitoring capabilities that operate effectively across device types while maintaining user privacy and data security. They were awarded Ksh. 25,000 from Web3Clubs.
In addition to these rankings, our students (Ms.Aron Barbra and Mr.Douglas Mwebi , (a first year student who presented an AI-powrewered mental wellness platform) were awarded paid internships at a Web3clubs Foundation Limited , providing them with hands-on experience in cutting-edge blockchain and decentralized technologies.
This milestone not only highlights the caliber of our students but also demonstrates the power of cross-university collaboration in creating real-world opportunities.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our partner institutions and look forward to even greater achievements in the future.
The Dreamers & Doers: Meet the Innovators
At Kisii University, brilliant students and dedicated faculty are turning bold ideas into real-world solutions, thanks to their creativity, technical skill, and relentless drive. From lab benches to field tests, these dreamers and doers have worked tirelessly to develop innovations that tackle pressing problems, placing the university at the forefront of campus-led change. With the right support and unwavering determination, each of the visionaries below has proven that transformative ideas can become tangible reality. We extend our deepest applause and gratitude for their outstanding contributions, proof that the future is being built right here, right now.
Your Turn to Spark: Notice for the Upcoming Neil Campus Spark Challenge
Have you been sitting on an idea that could change the world? Now is your time to act.
The Office of Research Extension Innovation and Resource Mobilization hereby issues a formal Notice for the Upcoming Neil Campus Spark Challenge.
The Neil Campus Spark Challenge isn't just for students, it's for every member of our university community with a spark of ingenuity. Whether you're in a lecture hall, a lab, or a faculty office, if you have an idea that can transform healthcare, sustainability, or education, we want you on board.
Deadline: Registration closes on 30th May 2026.
Let the universe of ideas meet the power of action. We can’t wait to see what you build.