Anchored by our Vision of becoming a premier University that nurtures global leaders and innovators, the University through the Directorate of Research and Innovation and the Department of Intellectual Property Management housed under the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Planning, Research, and Extension (PRE) held its 5th Annual Innovation Week and Public Lecture from 1 – 3 November under the theme ‘Innovating for a Greener and Sustainable Future’ to highlight the importance of environmental conservation and the role of innovation in finding sustainable solutions to mitigate environmental degradation, reduce pollution, and preserve natural resources.

The Innovation Week reflected the University's commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges through innovation. Apart from the exhibition of innovations from students staff and partner organizations throughout the week, 5 student teams pitched their ideas on ‘Innovative Solutions For Sustainable Solid Waste Management In Kenyan Urban Centres’ in an Innovation Challenge on 1 November 2023. 

The Innovation Week was officially opened by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration and Finance Prof. Wilson Ng’etich on 2 November 2023 followed by a Panel discussion on ‘Leveraging on Partnerships for Green and Sustainable Innovations’ which brought together former student innovators, current student innovators, and incubates, industry and partners, banks and farmers to provide a forum for in-depth dialogue on the importance of partnership between academia and public-private sector in driving innovations for a sustainable future. 

On 3 November 2023, the Innovation Week culminated with a Public Lecture by Prof. Tom Migun Ogada, the Board Chairman of the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) who delved in-depth into ‘the opportunities and challenges for Intellectual Property Commercialization for Universities’. During the Closing Ceremony, the best innovations and winners of the Innovation Challenge were recognized and awarded.

Overall, the Innovation Week showcased over 40 innovations and was attended by over 500 people. The exhibitors were students and staff from various Schools in the University, as well as Public and Private Institutions like the Eldoret National Polytechnic, Egerton University, Tumaini Herbalists, Northrift Herbalists, Kenya Forest Research Institute, Onja-Uone Macadamia Company, and Rivatex. The Innovation Week was also attended by representatives from Moi University, and Turkana University. The University extends appreciation to the National Bank of Kenya which was the main sponsor of the Event.

The Annual Innovation Weeks at the University of Eldoret is a vibrant testament to our dedication to fostering creativity and a platform for in-depth dialogues among diverse stakeholders. Our goal is to inspire, create, and promote ideas that contribute to the economic development of our nation and the global community.