Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua graced the stand of the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) at the ongoing Mombasa International ASK Show, where he advised students to explore innovations.
Interacting with TUM students and staff, the DP said economic growth and employment creation of the country lies in innovation, and training institutions stand to play a central role in that direction.
Therefore, he took the opportunity to urge scores of TUM students who were present to prioritize research and innovation to devise lasting solutions to problems affecting the community.
Mr Gachagua was impressed by the "brilliant innovations" of TUM students and appreciated the staff and the University as a whole for their commitment to research, training, and innovation.
He keenly watched, listened and engaged the students as they systematically explained concepts involved in different exhibitions that TUM is presenting to the public in this year's trade fair at Mombasa's Mkomani showground.
Some key showcases that are proving a major attraction for show-goers to the TUM stand are: Artificial intelligence (AI) Plant Disease recognition systems, Automatic irrigation using solar tracking systems, Mechanical Agrilifts, and Smart Mushroom Farming, among others.
Vice-chancellor Prof Laila Abubakar commended the TUM staff and students for a job well done. This year, TUM emerged victorious in three categories: the Best Stand in the Research and Development-Educational category, the Best University stand, and the 2nd Best University stand in the Research and Development-Non-educational category.
This year's Mombasa ASK Trade Fair has attracted over 250 participants from various industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, housing, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), banking, public and private sector institutions, hospitality and education.
More than 1,200 schools from across the country have been invited to participate in the event.
Mombasa ASK chairperson Mr Henry Nyaga said the move to invite schools is aimed at giving students an opportunity to learn new technology to boost farming activities.
This year's theme is "Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth."
