Innovators at the just-concluded MMUST 2026 Innovation Emporium have showcased home-grown options for constructing sustainable and adaptive communities. This was throughout the official closing ceremony of the week-long Emporium, which befell on Thursday, 16th April, 2026. The ceremony was graced by Dr. Stephen Situma, who was representing the Principal Secretary- State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak. It drew individuals from varied establishments of upper studying and the business, together with Bomet University, University of Eldoret (UOE), Maseno University, National Intelligence Research University (NIRU), the Shamberere National Polytechnic, Kenya Cyber Security and Forensics Association, Chumz, Mamlo Foods, and Fred Otswong’o & Intellectual Property Associates (FOIPA). The theme of this yr’s Emporium was ‘Innovation-driven Entrepreneurship for Building Sustainable, Adaptive and Home-grown solutions for our Communities’.
Guests at the MMUST 2026 Innovation Emporium closing ceremony be part of the Maasai pupil group for a dance.
“What I have seen here today is not simply an exhibition. It is a clear evidence that the next generation of Kenya’s innovators is not waiting to be discovered. They are here. The theme of this year’s Emporium reminds us that we need to develop our own solutions for the challenges that we face as a nation. As the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, we are committed to building an ecosystem that innovative institutions like MMUST needs to thrive,” said Dr. Situma. In his tackle, Dr. Situma identified that establishments of upper studying nonetheless face challenges by way of commercializing their improvements. “We have initiated the research to commercialization program and the innovation entrepreneurship curriculum in several Universities to incubate some of the innovations. I urge MMUST to do three things; Make the Innovation Emporium a permanent fixture, not a periodic event; deepen industry linkages; and build the bridge to funding,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, speaks at the occasion.
Speaking throughout the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Solomon Shibairo, famous that all through the Emporium, the University has witnessed outstanding dedication from innovators, who’ve conceptualized and developed options addressing crucial areas inside a quick interval. “This Emporium has provided a platform to showcase our innovations to a broader audience. As a University, we are committed to ensuring that innovation does not remain within laboratories or classrooms, but it is translated into real-world impact. Through our Directorate of Science Park, Innovation and Incubation Center, we continue to strengthen ecosystems that support research commercialization, student entrepreneurship and industry linkages,” mentioned. Prof. Shibairo.
The Vice Chancellor-Bomet University, Prof. Charles Mutai, addresses individuals at the occasion.
“In a rapidly changing world, the only way that we can cope is through innovation. We need people who can think creatively, solve problems and adapt very fast for us to survive through the changes,” said the Vice Chancellor-Bomet University, Prof. Charles Mutai. Additionally, Prof. Mutai recommended the organizers of the occasion, saying that the innovation emporium is a crucial platform as it challenges standard instructing, and contributes in direction of the improvement of much-needed native options. “Whatever you are generating today, are the solutions for tomorrow. Let us keep innovating.”
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Christopher Ngacho, in his remarks, appreciated the Director of Science Park, Innovation and Incubation Center (SPIIC), Dr. Tecla Sum, and her complete workforce for organizing a profitable Emporium. “As a Division, we continue to champion innovation, commercialization, community-driven solutions, and industry-academia linkages. We look forward to involving more innovators across the country in our future emporiums,” mentioned Prof. Ngacho.
Dr. Collins Odoyo showcases an EV charging system innovation dubbed ‘Poweredup Kenya’.
Dr. Fredrick Wahome, an Officer from the Kenya Cyber Security and Forensics Association, emphasised the want for the business to stroll with younger innovators and inculcate the proper values in them. “I have interacted with a number of higher education institutions and I can attest to the fact that there is so much energy in MMUST. As an Association, we will work together with this University to establish a centre of cyber security, which will help in the preparation of students for the job market. We commit to continue mentoring your student innovators beyond the 72-hour hackathon, assisting them translate their ideas into solutions that can be used in the industry,” remarked Dr. Wahome.
Notably, the climax of the ceremony was an award session, which noticed individuals who took half in varied actions in the innovation Emporium obtain presents.
The winners of the Mr. and Miss Talanta MMUST 25/26 acknowledged at the ceremony.
The MMUST 2026 innovation Emporium is a clear demonstration that the University isn’t solely a middle of educational excellence, but additionally a hub of sensible problem-solving and transformative concepts. Indeed, a true Science and Technology establishment isn’t outlined by the information it transfers however the options it generates, the enterprises it creates and the transformation it has to the surrounding group.
By Caren Nekesa and Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu