President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday declared that he was ready to support Universities' initiatives on one condition.
Speaking after he was awarded the Doctor of Sciences Honorary Degree at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Uhuru stated that institutions which align their objectives to the Big Four Agenda were assured of his administration's support.
"My Administration is ready to support universities that pursue initiatives that are geared towards promoting the Big 4 Agenda. We will achieve more for our people if we all come together and play our part in bringing our goals and aspirations to fruition," he declared.
He noted that the agenda would only attain sustainable success if academic and research institutions came on board with research, innovation and technology interventions.
"This will enable us to make knowledge-based decisions. While a few of our universities are gradually shifting towards supporting the economy through research initiatives, others remain largely teaching institutions. This trend must change," he added.
Uhuru conveyed that the government had provided resources through the national research fund advocating for universities in Kenya to join the global trend where the institutions were surplus centres.
"I would like to see universities drive the national research agenda along with our priority areas. I would also expect universities to deliberately pursue linkages with industry, where research findings can be commercialized and offer practical solutions to our national needs," he stated.
Earlier on Thursday, Uhuru launched the Universal Health Coverage Pilot Program (UHC) that will be rolled out in the four counties of Kisumu, Isiolo, Nyeri and Machakos.
"The launch of the UHC Pilot program marks a great milestone in the transformation of health services in our country. I assure you of my Administration's committed to the plight of the poor and vulnerable members of the Kenyan population," he stated.
