Scientists at the Meru University have developed a device to help blind people conduct their activities with ease.
The device is among five innovations the university has developed.
They include the competence network for e-inclusion and assistive technologies, which enable physically challenged students to learn with ease.
The technology was developed in partnership with Machakos and Murang’a universities.
The Meru University of Science and Technology is also researching on camel milk value addition for a more nutritious, enriching and healthy product.
The institution has also developed a sanitary pad dispenser and incinerator for ease of access and disposal by adolescent women.
Other innovations include a brooder, which boosts production, reduces wastage and increases survival of chicks.
University Education and Research PS Simon Nabukwesi lauded the university management for setting high standards in innovations, research, empowerment and solving community needs.
He spoke during the first Meru University of Science and Technology International Research and Innovation conference on Saturday.
The PS lauded the university for acting as a catalyst for increased efforts towards research and innovation, as a way of providing new opportunities and solving societal problems.
He also thanked them for seizing and implementing ideas whenever they crop up.
“They have internalised the idea of capacity building by identifying undergraduate students who get first and second class honors and are smart in class.
"Sponsoring these students through graduate programmes provides the best resource persons, researchers and lecturers in the university,” Nabukwesi said.
The PS urged Kenyans to be patriotic and loyal to their nation through valuable partnerships.
He said scholars determine the quality of the population in a country.
“When people are not active anywhere or do not achieve anything in research, academic development and innovation, then the country is on its deathbed.
"However, when they are active, featuring and participating in research, then the country is on the right track,” Nabukwesi said.
He said such conferences are good for sharing ideas, training and empowering others for human development.
The PS said the government is committed to continue supporting research initiatives that uplift communities and advance economic growth both nationally and globally.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
