Mainstreaming Research and Innovation for Sustainable ......Mainstreaming Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development ... The event was organized under the auspices of the

JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGYP.O. BOX 62000-00200 City Square, Nairobi, Kenya • TEL: +254 0675870000

www.jkuat.ac.ke, Email: [email protected]; Discover JKUAT; @DiscoverJKUAT

Use your skills to spur Africa’s Socio-Economic Transformation Mainstreaming Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development

Setting Trends in Higher Education, Research and Innovation JKUAT is ISO 14001:2004 & ISO 9001:2008 Certified

Congratulations on your meritorious achievement

Prof. Paul Kanyari Njuki,

Prof. Geoffrey Ole MaloiyChancellor

Uphold values of integrity, ingenuity, industry in the job market

Prof. Mabel Imbuga,Vice Chancellor

“The differentiating hallmarks

of JKUAT’s graduates are

many, but most importantly,

they include self-discipline,

resourcefulness, innovation

research.”

29TH GRADUATION SUMMARY STATISTICS

Award Male Female Total

Diplomas 272 224 496

Bachelors Degree 839 570 1,409

Masters Degree 312 227 539

PAUSTI 28 14 42

Post Graduate Diploma 3 6 9

Doctorate Degree 45 23 68

Total 1,499 1,064 2,563

29th Graduation Ceremony: Tuesday 27 June, 2017th

On their convocation day, I wish to congratulate all the graduands as JKUAT and Pan

African University Institute for Basic Sciences Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI)

mark a joint graduation. I believe that the graduation is not only a celebration of the

period of study but also the beginning of an exciting relationship with the University.

I am confident that all the graduands will take buoyancy from the illustrious history of

JKUAT graduates visibility in the job market.

To the PAUSTI graduates, I salute your academic excellence and personal achievement.

I have no doubt that you are poised to continue growing as lifelong learners while

serving as productive members of your communities and respective countries.

Africa deserves youthful talents ready to offer resolute service through innovation and

scientific knowledge. This is the aspiration we have prepared you to go and actualize.

Hongera graduands!

I take this opportunity on behalf of the University Council, to convey my congratulatory message to all our graduands and indeed, the entire University Community on this auspicious occasion of the 29th Graduation Ceremony. I warmly salute the graduands for their dedication and achievement; having withstood the very rigorous process of meritocracy that comes with academic accomplishment we are celebrating today. I acknowledge the contribution of all the parents and guardians for supporting our graduating students actualize this critical milestone in their career aspirations. The JKUAT University Council reiterates its unwavering commitment to support initiatives and programmes aimed at ensuring the University stays truly focused on its core mandate of “Training, Research and Innovation for the Devel-opment” of the country and indeed the entire region.

I encourage all graduands to make use of the invaluable skills, knowledge and attitudes they have acquired at JKUAT to make substantial contributions to the development of Kenya and the society.

JKUAT and Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) are slated to hold a joint gradua-tion ceremony on Tuesday June 27, 2017. The event that will mark JKUAT’s 29th convocation, will see PAUSTI stage its second gradua-tion where young scientists drawn from 16 countries in Africa will be crowned. During the ceremony, JKUAT Chancellor, Prof. Geoffrey Maloiy will confer 68 doctorate, 539 masters and 1409 undergraduate degrees. PAUSTI on the other hand, will present 42 candidates for masters.Vice Chancellor Prof. Mabel Imbuga noted that JKUAT had taken a central place in Africa’s development agenda as seen from the quality of research, innovation and graduates arising from the institution.By hosting the Pan African University, Prof. Imbuga said, JKUAT was responding to the need to produce a new breed of young and

Once again Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and

Technology holds a joint graduation ceremony with the

Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences,

Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI). JKUAT draws much

pride on the monumental progress that PAUSTI has

consolidated since it opened its doors to pioneer students

in 2012.

As a University, we are driven by a strong conviction that

Africa can sustainably extricate herself from socio-eco-

nomic want by leveraging on science, technology and

innovation. The graduands have been exposed to rigorous

and quality training and research programmes backed by

strong industry experience; commensurate to this continental desire. Let the quality

cornerstones and guiding principles acquired in the course of your studies, and espoused

by the vision statements of both JKUAT and PAUSTI guide you in your journey to make

Africa better. I wish the graduands the best as they set sail on their careers.

Congratulations again.

Chairman of Council

innovative scientists who can fill the void and pioneer sustainable solutions relevant to Africa.This streak, she added, enabled JKUAT to win another bid to host the regional Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre (MTCC) for Africa. MTCC which is techni-cal organ of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will spearhead research and capacity building towards mitigating harmful effects of climate change in Africa.African Union Commission Chairperson, His Excellency Moussa Faki nudged the graduands to familiarize themselves with the continental aspirations as captured in Africa’s Agenda 2063. The policy document, he added, outlines actionable priorities in key areas such as education, energy, agriculture, and water.

Dr. Zuma and Prof. Imbuga jointly confers a degree to one of the PAU graduands during the ceremony

JKUAT & PAUSTI Stage Joint Graduation

Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, DVC,

Administration.Prof. Otoki Moirongo,

DVC, FinanceProf. Romanus Odhiambo DVC Academic Affairs &

Ag. DVC Research,Production and Extension

Deputy Vice Chancellors




Sheila Awuor

JKUAT Alumni and Student Land the Prestigious MandelaWashington Fellowship

Maritime Players in a mission to cut Carbon Footprint

Hope for Coconut Industry as NACOSTI Launches Research Chair

Participants shortly after the opening ceremony

JKUAT team led by Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mabel Imbuga (second left) with the dummy cheque during the ceremony

Over 60 Stakeholders in the shipping and maritime sector in Kenya converged Monday June 19, 2017 in

Mombasa for a two-day workshop aimed at sensitization and capacity building for climate change mitigation in

the country.

The event was organized under the auspices of the Maritime Technology Cooperation Center – Africa

(MTTC-Africa) which seeks to leverage on modern technology and global partnerships to cushion the continent

from the vagaries of climate change through reduction of harmful gases in the atmosphere.

MTCC – Africa which is hosted by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, is one of the five

centres of excellence being implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with a funding by

the European Union. The network promotes uptake of low carbon technologies and operations towards energy

efficiency in the maritime sector, into a low-carbon future.

Calvin Kebati, Deputy Director, JKUAT Indus-

trial and Technology Park and Sheila Awour, a

fourth year students of Food Science and Tech-

nology left the country, June 15, for the 2017

Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young

African Leaders in the US. They are among the

1000 participants drawn from a pool of 64,000

applicants in 49 Sub-Saharan countries who

become the youngest person to be admitted to

the Fellowship at the age of 22 years, joins

other young leaders to train in Public Manage-

ment at Howard University while Kebati, an

alumnus of JKUAT in Information Technology

will train in Business and Entrepreneurship at

Northwestern University.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture

and Technology has won a competitive

bid to spearhead an ambitious innovation

and technology transfer initiative aimed

at fostering agro-processing in the coco-

nut industry. As a Research Chair on

Technology and Manufacturing, JKUAT

is expected to design and develop tools

and machines for production and com-

mercialization of coconut.The coconut is

a widely distributed crop

will take part in a six-week Academic and Leadership programme in the fields of Business

and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, and Public Management. Awuor, set to arguably

along the Kenyan coastline, yet little research has gone into its value-chain; denying the

country substantial economic returns such as job creation and export earnings. Over ten

by-products of immense economic value can be generated from the coconut fruit alone:

The shell can be used to make bracelets, charcoal and mosquito coils. The husk is rich in fiber

that could be tapped for the textile industry while also benefiting the agricultural sector as

fertilizer.


Kebati Calvin

“Students have not only been equipped for the demands for today’s job market,they also

possess invaluable entrepreneurial skills that makes them potential

job creators too.”





Staple Foods Fortification Programme Launched

Researchers Develop Hybrid Drier, Charcoal Cooler toBoost Food Security in Kenya

College Hall Meeting for USAID Funded Health Project

Legume Centre for Food and Nutrition Security Launched

Mr. Mohamed (front left), Prof Imbuga (centre) and Mr. Habers cut the ribbon to signal the launch of the food fortification programme - Copy

The European Union has announced €3.2 million (approx. KES 360 million) support to complement an integrat-

ed approach to improve the health and nutritional status of the poor and vulnerable groups in Kenya through

fortification of common staple foods. The 6-year “Strengthening the Kenya National Food Fortification

Programme,” will be implemented by JKUAT in partnership with the Ministry of Health and other partners to

address gaps in food fortification in Kenya.

“The project aims to strengthen the capacity of cereal millers to deliver micronutrient rich staple foods to target

populations, particularly women, girls and children who are most vulnerable to malnutrition,” EU Delegation in

Kenya, Head of Cooperation, Erik Habers, said during the launch of the programme, Thursday, April 27.

Food fortification with single or multiple micronutrients has been reported to improve nutrition and health

standards of entire populations. However, rural and urban poor communities in many cases source their flour

from Micro Small and Medium Scale Millers, most of whom lack the capacity to fortify flours.

Mr. Sheikh Mohamed, Head of Family Health Division, Ministry of Health, said the initiative will strengthen governance and the legal framework for the National Fortification Programme

which makes enrichment of maize and wheat flours mandatory. JKUAT will spearhead research on how to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of millers to ensure adequate and safe

levels of micronutrients in food products as well as training Premix suppliers on micronutrient dosing, validation analysis of content and composition of fortificants in the market.

Insufficient drying, inadequate storage, insufficient cooling and poor transport all of

which rely on high levels of energy input, remains a major obstacle to food security in the

country. To tackle this, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

researchers led by Prof. Christopher Kanali, have developed a multi-purpose solar-bio-

mass hybrid dryer and an evaporative charcoal cooler system for rural communities in the

country under the Renewable Energy for Food Processing project. These technologies are

geared towards pioneering affordable solutions on food security and ameliorate food

supply chains thus boosting the overall value of the agriculture sector in rural areas hence

improving efficiency of food production and consumption in the country. The research

team dubbed, RE4Food team commissioned the first dryer and charcoal cooler in Khwise-

ro, Kakamega County under the Khwisero Integrated Community Umbrella Development

(K-INCUD) group and in Mwea West, Kirinyaga County under the Mitooini Cooperative

Society respectively in April 2017.

Prof. Kanali (left) Prof Obanda (2nd left) and Finance Officer, Mr. Titus Wasike (right) sample some of thedried produce in the dryer.

Following the launch of the Health Informatics Governance and Data Analytics (HIGDA)

Project, earlier this year, participants from implementing institutions converged for the

first College Hall meeting at JKUAT, Wednesday May 10, 2017.

During the event, the students were introduced to the project’s scope; especially those

related to curriculum review and the development of innovations to assist in digitization

and sharing of health related data. Addressing the participants, Head of e-Health

programme at the Ministry of Health (MoH), Onesmus Kamau said effective planning and

decision making in Kenya’s health sector had been hampered by low quality data.

HIGDA Project is funded by the United States of America through USAID and aims to help

the Ministry of Health (MoH) achieve single, strengthened, and unified, Integrated Health

Information System (H.I.S) at national and county levels. Participating institutions in the

project are: Palladium Group, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,

and PATH International.

JKUAT is poised to tip the scales in food and nutrition research across the region following the launch of the Legume Centre of Excellence for Food and Nutrition Security (LCEFoNS).

The research centre is funded to the tune of Euros 3735,000.00 (Ksh. 410 million) under the VLIR-UOS initiative – a twelve-year synergistic inter-interdisciplinary research project

focusing on beans, cowpeas and green grams, brings together JKUAT and Belgian partners – Katholic University (Leuven) and Vrije University of Brussels.

Belgium Ambassador to Kenya, Ms. Roxane de Bilderling, said the initiative “was about partnerships aimed at improving the conditions of livelihoods and standards of living for communi-

ties” and thus urged Kenyans to embrace the consumption of nutrient rich legumes.

Onesmus Kamau makes his remarks during the meeting

JKUAT Alumni Continue to Impact the World Researchers Tip Kiambu Farmers on Tomato Soil Pathogens

Prof. Calestous Juma,

JKUAT Alumnus and a

scientist at Harvard Univer-

sity in the United States,

has been named among the

most reputable people in

the world. He becomes the

only Kenyan to be listed in

the inaugural list of “2017

Most Reputable People on

Earth.”

He was awarded an honor-

ary Doctor of Science

degree of JKUAT in June

2012, the only degree

awarded to him by a

Kenyan University. Prof.

Juma follows in the

foot-steps of yet another

alumnus and former Chancellor of JKUAT, the late Prof. Ali Al’Amin Mazrui who in 2005,

was ranked among the top 100 public intellectuals in the world by the American journal

Foreign Policy and the British journal Prospect. The late Mazrui who died at the age of 81

in 2014, was also featured in the “500 Most Influential Muslims,” (a.k.a. the “Muslim

500”), a publication by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre in cooperation with the

Prince Alwaleed Centre for Muslim-Christian Understanding of Georgetown University,

among other honours.

Prof. Juma

Farmer practices have been identified as the greatest drivers of the severity and manage-

ment of bacterial wilt and root knot nematodes, which pose the biggest threat to tomato

production in high tunnel (popularly known as ‘greenhouses’) tomato farming in Kiambu

County. A survey by researchers from JKUAT and collaborators led by Dr. Lucy Kananu

Murungi from the Department of Horticulture, in six sub-counties of Kiambu County

(Gatundu North, Gatundu South, Juja, Thika, Ruiru and Kiambu), established that most

farmers lacked training on proper practices that reduce the impact of root knot nema-

todes and bacterial wilt in greenhouse production.

The stakeholders’ forum Wednesday, June 21 at KALRO saw representatives from

academia, county crops office, research institutions and tomato farmer groups, share

findings conducted under a study titled: “Manipulating the soil ecosystem for the manage-

ment of bacterial wilt and root knot nematodes in high tunnel tomato production in

Kenya.”

Poor practices within the tomato production value chain such as seedling acquisition, soil

testing, irrigation water, fertilization among others were identified as the key determi-

nants of the yield and quality of produce. The study was funded by the Regional Universi-

ties Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM).





Alumni Voices on Their Alma Mater & Career MilestonesJKUAT prides itself in being a trend-setter in higher education, research and innovation.

There is no better testimony to this than the impact its alumni continue to make in various sectors of the economy.

Dr. Saoke Churchill, Director JKUAT Alumni & International Students Office (ALISO)

Graduate of B.Sc Physics, M.Sc and PhD Physics

‘First as a student and then as a staff, being in JKUAT enabled me to understand myself, and to understand my full potential. The studies equipped

me with skills of analysis and critical thinking, all of which laid a very strong foundation for my influence nationally and globally. The University has

also acted as a platform that has broadened my impact on most of the things I have been engaged in, from projects of development, research and

civic responsibility. In my capacity as the Director ALISO, I envision an alumni brand that will be a mark of a strong community. A prestigious alumni

brand that will have strong structures and institutional frameworks that will outgrow personalities and individuals.

Ms. Elizabeth Linzie, Research Officer, KEMRI

Graduate of B.Sc Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Class of 2014

‘When I Joined JKUAT a very immature, lonely, and naive person, I set out to transform myself. I was a member of the Hands of Compassion Minis-

try, and later became the Chairlady of CBF-Coast Brethren Fellowship. This helped me nurture my leadership skills and I learned how to listen and

resolve personal issues and create peace within a team. Not only did I empower myself, but I empowered the other group members too. Also, the

different clubs in JKUAT and not forgetting the common university Units that some students take for granted have imparted in me strong

problem-solving skills and made me a value-added and innovative solution-provider.’

Mr. Dennis Makori, Founder Twixt Technologies Limited

Graduate of B.Sc Information Technology, Class of 2011

‘My career journey to where I am today has not been without setbacks, but I cannot talk about my career without mentioning JKUAT, which has

enabled me to weather whichever storm hurled in my direction. I for instance can’t fall short of mentioning my mentor Madam Nancy Macharia – the

then Deputy ICSIT Director at JKUAT who has really helped me grow in my career. JKUAT has a big name out here, a good recommendation from the

University means a lot to corporate organizations and JKUAT’s recommendation opened the way for me to the corporate world.’

Chairperson African Union Commission

PAN AFRICAN UNIVERSITYInstitute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation

P. O. Box 62000 00200 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 718 092 689, +254 752 051 989

Website: www.pau-au.net Email: [email protected]

Transforming Africa into Knowledge-based Economies through STI

A moment of Pride as PAUSTI Stages Second Graduation

The Graduates will be key Drivers of Africa Agenda 2063

Nurturing Quality, Exemplifying Excellence

Dr. Martial De Paul Ikounga,Commissioner, Human Resources, Science and

Technology, African Union Commission

PAU 2nd Graduation Ceremony: June 27th 2017

We are particularly proud of our graduates today, because as the second batch, you count among the pioneers of the Pan African University who belong to a cadre of young professionals that will help move forward the enduring Pan African project of a continent that is integrated, people-centered, peaceful and prosperous.

As you get ready to move on to the next stage of your lives, we have formulated the continental vision for the next fifty years - Agenda 2063. Agenda 2063 sets out our aspirations for the Africa we want, and the key priorities on which we must act in order to achieve these aspirations.

This includes concerted and sustained investments in African human capital by ensuring universal access to health care, nutrition, water and sanitation, clean energy and shelter. It includes making sure that our children and young people everywhere have access to quality

Dear Graduates,

Felicitations from the African Union family!

Today is yet another milestone in your journey to achieve what could turn out to be a catalyst in your lives and career – a higher academic degree. It must have been a longtime dream, but one realized through perseverance, hard work, diligence and discipline. We at the African Union therefore join you in rejoicing over this great success, which compliments the Africa’s overall development aspirations set out in Agenda 2063.

This is the second graduation ceremony so far, witness-ing the successful completion of postgraduate programsby a cohort of Pan African University (PAU) students at the Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology and Innova-

of the latent need for an overarching continental institution by a cohort of Pan African University (PAU)

students at the Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology and -

tion of the latent need for an overarching continental institution that will inject quality, excellence, and innovation in African higher education.

The necessity for a Pan African University is found in the changing dynamics of our time, when science, research and technology have become the key drivers of social and economic development. Africa therefore, cannot allow itself to be left behind in the global enterprise of knowledge generation and utilization. The developmental challenges we face are enormous, but with judicious investments in quality and relevant education, Africa is sure to reposition itself on the path of prosperity.

PAUSTI has indeed been a thriving launch pad for the PAU, and I therefore wish to congratulate the government and people of Kenya, as well as the Vice Chancellor,

of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) for hosting the institute. Their contributions towards the sustenance of one of the four operational institutes of the PAU is expressive of the spirit of African solidarity, which is a cardinal pillar of the African Union. On this score, let me

-sion, to continue working with all stakeholders in availing the necessary support towards the develop-ment of the University. It is my hope and expectation that as graduates, you will contribute your knowledge and skills to the revitaliza-tion of Africa’s economic and social development. I have no doubt that with your technical know-how and dedicated study on contemporary African issues, you are in a position to influence the change that we all so desire for the continent.

Congratulations!

schooling, to vocational, technical and higher education, and that we support the participation of African children and youth in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.

Without investments in our human capital, we will not be able to build and maintain our infrastructure including energy, transport, ICT, irrigation, and so on; we will not be able to build the productive capacities of our economies; we will not utilize and add value to our natural resources, nor will we expand manufacturing and services. Without a skills revolution, we will not modernize and raise our agricultural productivity; we will remain dependent on food imports, when as a continent, we have more than adequate land and water resources.

I firmly believe that this is what will be a game-changer for Africa: investing in our young men and women, so that they become the innovators, the drivers and the energizers of Agenda 2063. As Africans, we declared

that the 21st Century shall be the African century. Realizing this century as the African century will depend on our strides in knowledge generation and ability to harness the productive capacity of Africa’s labor force in science and technology.

Skills and vocational training, research and develop-ment in all spheres of human endeavor, are a critical factor towards the achievement of the goals of Agenda 2063 and the African Century.

We have full confidence in you amongst your global peers that you will excel in your fields. Africa depends on your creativity, innovation and energy. We know you will be part of this titanic battle for Africa to be prosper-ous, integrated and peaceful, whilst playing a dynamic

H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki

Chairperson African Union Commission

S/No

PROGRAMME FEMALE MALE TOTAL

1. M.Sc. Mathematics

5 13 18

2. M.Sc. Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

3 6 9

3. M.Sc. Civil Engineering

2 5 7

4. M.Sc. Electrical Engineering

3 5 8

TOTAL 13 29 42

GRADUATION STATISTICS SUMMARYPAUSTI MASTERS Programmes:

M.Sc. Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

M.Sc. Mathematics (Financial option)

M.Sc. Mathematics (Computational option)

M.Sc. Mathematics (Statistics option)

M.Sc. Civil Engineering (Structural option)

M.Sc. Civil Engineering (Arid and Semi-Arid Land option)

M.Sc. Electrical Engineering (Telecommunications option)

M.Sc. Electrical Engineering (Power Systems option)

M.Sc. Mechatronic Engineering

M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

PAU is a befitting response to changing global dynamics




Dr. Mahama Ouedraogo Acting Director, Human Resources,

Science and Technology

I salute all of our graduates, for having worked hard to witness this day.It is a day that comes with a lot of toil and sweat, and not without moments when your stamina to endure was challenged to the fullest, and your quest to inquire stretched to the limits. Like in all other accomplished enterprises, there is a key formula that made you prevail – determination. With determination, you can muster the ability to make yet another giant stride into the world of work and make a lasting impact. But as you venture into a new terrain of life, remember that the same values of hard work and dedication must continue to be your mantra for self-realization. Be constant in pursuing your goals, but pragmatism and flexibility in your approach will determine how well you achieve. Your story is interlaced with that of the Pan African University, which emerged from an imperative and a common voice within the Africa, for the establishment of an Africa-centered higher

institution that will focus on addressing the drawbacks within the continent’s higher education sector, and serve as a standard for quality and excellence. It was an idea conceived to advance research as well as science and technology education in Africa, as we rise up to the challenge of catching up with the pace of scientific and technological development already undergone by other regions of the world. With determination, African leaders therefore took the opportunity of the momentum to institute the PAU with very clear objectives, and based on an all-inclusive framework which provided for the active participation of the whole continent in the project.The PAU framework equally streamlined its focus along priority thematic areas which are considered critical to Africa’s socio-economic development, namely science, technology, innovation, governance, humanities andsocial sciences.

But it was an even more engrossing task to build the university on a progressive structural and institutional footing, integrating all the mechanisms of sound governance and management. What a pride therefore, that the second batch of graduates from the PAU Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation have completed their programs of study and are poised to add value to Africa’s development endeavors. It is indeed reassuring to celebrate this success, as you prepare to serve the continent and humanity in general with renewed resolution, energy and vigor.

Once more, I congratulate you heartily!

Go forth with solid self-determination and change AfricaI salute all of our 2017 graduates, for having worked very hard to witness this day.

This is a day that comes after a lot of toil, sweat and anxieties, and

endure was challenged to the fullest, and your quest to inquire was stretched toits limits. Like in all other accomplished enterprises, there is a key formula that made you prevail – determination!. With solid self determination, you can muster the ability to make yet another giant stride into the world of work and knowledge without boarders, walls or trenches to make a lasting impact. But as you venture into the new terrain of life, remember that the same values of hard work and dedication must continue to be your mantra for self-realization. Be persistent in pursuing your goals, but pragma-tism and flexibility in your approach to day to day life will ultimately determine how much and how well you achieve. Dear Graduates, your story is interlaced with that of establishment of the Pan African University, which emerged from an imperative and a common voice within Africa, for the establishment of an Africa-cen-tred higher education institution that focuseson addressing the drawbacks within the continent’s higher education sector, and is

expected to serve as a well benchmarked standard for quality and excellence. Recall that, PAU is an idea that was conceived by The African Heads of States and Governments in order to assist to advance research as well as science and technology education in Africa at Postgraduate level, as we rise up to the challenge of catching up with the pace of scientific and technological developments already planned and attained by other regions of the world. With this firm determination, African leaders therefore took the opportunity of the momentum to institute the PAU with very clear objectives, and based on an all-inclusive framework which provided for the active participation of the whole continent in the PAU project.The PAU framework equally streamlined its focus along priority thematic areas which are considered to be currently very critical towards catalysation of Africa’s socio-economic development, namely in respect of science, technology, innovation, governance, humanities and social sciences. But it was an even more engrossing task to build the university on a progressive structural and institutional footing, integrating all the mechanisms of sound governance and management that are still in the making.Dear graduates, what a pride therefore, that today we witness the second batch of graduates from the PAU Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) have completed their programmes of study and are poised to add value to Africa’s development endeavours. It is indeed very reassuring to celebrate this success, as you prepare to serve the continent and humanity in general with renewed resolution, energy and vigour. I take this opportunity to thank

-

you may have faced during the studies and the Council will work with PAU Management and the AUC to eliminate such incidents in the future. Once more, I congratulate you heartily!

Prof. Tolly S.A. Mbwette President of the Pan African

University Council



-

-

PAUSTI PHD Programmes:

PhD Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

PhD Mathematics (Financial option)

PhD Mathematics (Computational option)

PhD Mathematics (Statistics option)

PhD Electrical Engineering (Telecommunications option)

PhD Electrical Engineering(Power Systems option)

Dear Graduates, please accept my hearty congratulations,

You have reached your long cherished goal today. This is a day that throws the beacon light on your path towards success and glory. This is the moment that you, your near and dear have been waiting for a long time. You make them proud and all of us share the joy of this moment.

As you are perfectly aware, the Pan African University (PAU) is a new generation University inspired by the idea of establishing world-class academic and research institutes to provide quality education and research, attract leadership and talent, and promote international cooperation. The PAU is embedded as a major instrument for the implementation of: the African Union Agenda 2063 Framework as defined by the 7 aspirations; the Science, Technology Innovation Strategy for Africa-STISA 2024; the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA) 2016 – 2025 as adopted by the African Union Heads of State and Government on 31st January 2016; the UN Sustain-able Development Goals 2015 & in Particular objective No.4; and the African Continen-tal Framework on Youth Development.

mission of strengthening African higher education and research, addressing quality, intra-African collaboration, innovation and links with industry and social sector. We are developing fast and the days are not far away that it becomes one of the most

programs in 37 fields of specialization (22 MSc./MA and 15 PhD). Preparations are underway to launch 7 new programs of study (6 MSc./MA and 1 PhD) in the 2017/2018 academic year. You should take pride in that you are trained by eminent academics and seasoned researchers. Prof. Belay Kassa

Deputy Rector, Pan African University

Go forth with solid self-determination and change Africa





Testimonials

Graduands distribution per country

1

1

4

1


Country No

Benin

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Chad

3

1

2

2

Country

Ethiopia

Gambia

Ghana

Kenya

Country

Lesotho

Nigeria

Rwanda

Senegal

Country

Sudan

Togo

Uganda

Zimbabwe

4

1

3

11

1

2

4

1

1

1

4

1

No No No

Phillip Brezhnev Akuma Okemwa, KenyanCurrent Position: Information Security & Risk Analyst, Commercial Bank of Africa Ltd (CBA), Kenya.

PAUSTI is the place to be. Technology and Science drive innovations are greatly disrupting various business

population, food security for the hungry, sustained economic development and hence improved standards of life.

TOSSOU Messessi LucresseM.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology I believe that the PAUSTI program is a very good initiative that is already contributing to the development of Africa. Let us start with the criterion of selection that is made in a transparent way based on merit. The program puts the best teachers at our disposal and the courses are well dispensed. I hope the initiative will still be able to promote women, because, as it is often said, the development of Africa will begin with the development of women. I will end by saying a big thank you to JICA for all that they keep doing for us students of PAUSTI.

IDOWU TEMITOPE EZEKIEL, Nigeria, M.Sc. Civil Engineering (Environmental/ASAL Option)Civil Engineering is the bedrock for infrastructural and economic progress as it aims to provide solutions to good transport, accessible portable water and sustainable development. I specialized in Environmental Engineering where I researched on groundwater pollution in a coastal region. On a wider scale, the knowledge gained from my program is not only pivotal in achieving the recently concluded Millennium Development Goals for Africa but also necessary if any meaningful progress is to be made on the recently highlighted 17 SDGs agenda for the development of Africa.

Alumni

Student

Graduand

Industry Tour for Civil Engineering Students

The visiting team at the plant

Seven Civil Engineering PhD students from PAUSTI’s 4th Cohort on 31st March 2017 had a chance to learn about industrial process at the Savannah Cement Factory. The field visit was primed to bridge the gap between the industry and academia, while syncing theory and practice. Under the guidance of Dr. Kenneth Wanjau, the Lecturer for Entrepreneur-ship, the doctoral candidates learnt the entrepreneurial and innovative strategies employed by Savannah Cement Company to compete with the large multinational cement producing companies in Kenya.

Through the field visit the students were able to identify business opportunities throughout the cement value-chain. These include supply of raw materials, provision of transportation services for raw materials, provide software for ease of plant monitoring and management, and marketing.

PAUSTI student in innovative approach tocounter malaria in the world

Among the most devastating diseases plaguing Africa is malaria. In 2015 alone, the WHO estimates that of the estimated 429,000 deaths 90% were recorded in Africa. The situation is further compounded by reports that the parasite that causes malaria is becoming resistant to the approved drugs.These stark realities nudged Reagan Moseti, a Molecular Biology and Biotechnology student to examine the potential of approved drugs for treating diseases on the malaria parasite. Moseti took this innovative approach given the amount of time and resources to develop

new drugs; especially in Africa which hurts the most from malaria. “Development of new drugs to the point of introduction into the market is an expensive and time consuming process, costing about $100 - 800 million over a period spanning over 12 years,” Said Moseti.Moseti then used bioinformatics to test and analyze new indications for existing drugs for activity against malaria; what is technically referred to as drug repositioning. After testing and analyzing 12 drugs including Zidovudine (approved for HIV); Moxifloxazine; and Oxaliplatin (anti-cancer drug), 10 showed active compounds against malaria parasite- plasmodium.

-ment of malaria, should the drugs be repositioned for the disease.

Moseti then used bioinformatics to test and analyze new indications for existing drugs for activity against malaria; what is technically referred to as drug repositioning. After testing and analyzing 12 drugs including Zidovudine (approved for HIV); Moxifloxazine; and Oxaliplatin (anti-cancer drug), 10 showed active compounds against malaria parasite- plasmodium.

-ment of malaria, should the drugs be repositioned for the disease.

Reagan Mogire

Felicitations to all the Graduands

Prof. Gabriel Magoma,Director, Pan African University

Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation

Once again, it is graduation time for the Pan African University (PAU). The PAU is at the forefront of Higher Education in Africa and at the same time a key Instrument in Intra-African collaborations.In this cohort, we are witnessing the graduation of M.Sc. graduates from sixteen (16)African countries up from eleven (11) countries represented in the inaugural graduation of 2014. This diversity in nationality clearly captures PAU’s aspiration to integrate the continent.The graduands gave the best e�ort in their academic research work and all of them have had high quality publications and patents in areas of significance to the continent’s development bid. I therefore, want to express my sincere congratulations to the graduands and the lecturers who mentored them in the course of their studies.To the African Union (AU) member states, it gives us great pride to state that the inter-country and inter-cultural understanding could have never been better without the PAU.We therefore thank the African statesmen for the foresight to engineer this transformative process. We are greatly indebted to the Government of the Republic of Kenya (GoK) for the extraordinary support in infrastructure development which has seen two (2) PAUSTI Blocks almost come to completion.Our sincere gratitude goes to the Government of Japan, our Lead Thematic Partner (LTP) for providing key research equipment and seed

research funds to this graduating class of 2017. Finally, to the graduands, it is time to celebrate, reflect, and seek how the knowledge and skills you have gained while at PAU will impact on the much needed development for our mother continent. You have shown capabilities in diverse areas. I encourage you to forge creative, beneficial and sustainable

synergies and provide the much neededhand in Africa’s quest for socio-economic transformation.

Que Dieu vous Bennise tous et que Dieu bennise l’Afrique

Documents

Mainstreaming Research and Innovation for Sustainable ......Mainstreaming Research and Innovation for Sustainable Development ... The event was organized under the auspices of the