On 4th of April, the 6th Multidisciplinary Conference and Innovation Week at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) concluded with a dynamic series of events focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and research.
The day began with a keynote address by Prof. Julius Otieno Manyala from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. He spoke on the topic of "Creative Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship in Kenya," highlighting how digital transformation is reshaping the country's economy. He discussed emerging trends such as digital lending, online entrepreneurship platforms, and cryptocurrencies.
The conference also marked the official launch of TUM's Manuscript Submission System (MSS), an advanced platform designed to simplify the submission and management of research manuscripts. Dr. Kevin Tole from the Institute of Computing and Informatics led the presentation, offering a step-by-step guide on using this new system. Developed in collaboration with the ICT Services (ICTS), the Registrar's Office, and the Institute of Computing and Informatics (ICI), the MSS features an AI-powered audio-to-text functionality, making it the first of its kind at TUM. This innovation greatly enhances accessibility, especially for users with disabilities, making the research submission process more inclusive.
Throughout the event, numerous insightful presentations showcased research across various fields. In a health-focused session, Mrs. Dhahab Joyce discussed "The Utility of Body Fluids Cell Block and Immunohistochemical Staining in the Diagnosis of Malignancies," emphasizing the critical need for early cancer detection. Dr. Sholastica N. Ratanya presented on "Sustainable Governance Models in Healthcare and Their Impact on Workforce Outcomes," examining how governance affects healthcare workers and patient care in hospitals. Other topics discussed during the conference included food security, climate change, the blue economy, education, and digital transformation.
Students from different schools, including Khamis High School and Allidina Visram, participated in the conference, actively engaging in activities and gaining valuable insights into various fields of innovation and technology.
Ayman Issa, a student from Khamis High School, shared his thoughts on the conference: "The conference was very good. I came here looking for tech opportunities, and I found exactly that. It was great to network with other students." Ayman and his teammate, Jamal Abdalla, presented their innovative project, Mizaniy, an AI-powered legal assistant designed to streamline legal processes. Their presentation was among the many exciting contributions from students showcased during the conference.
Today's program emphasized entrepreneurship, featuring Arafat Mukasa, a TUM alumnus who leads the entrepreneurship pathway at Swahilipot Hub. He conducted an engaging session on generating and validating business ideas effectively. He provided practical strategies and tips to help aspiring entrepreneurs effectively refine their concepts, ensuring they meet market needs and stand out in a competitive landscape. The interaction was not only informative but also inspiring, encouraging participants to think critically about their entrepreneurial journeys.
The successful conclusion of the 6th Multidisciplinary Conference and Innovation Week marks another significant achievement for TUM, setting the stage for future innovations and breakthroughs in various fields.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our partners—Swahilipot Hub, Moringa, NRF Kenya, and ICP Hub—along with researchers, innovators, exhibitors, students, and staff for their invaluable support in making the 6th Multidisciplinary Conference and Innovation Week a resounding success.
