Day one of the 12th International Research Conference, scheduled to take place from 23rd to 24th October 2025 under the theme “Leveraging Technological Solutions in Research, Training, and Innovations for Sustainable Development,” has concluded successfully. The two-day conference focuses on advancing research, innovation, and sustainable development.
The event kicked off with a courtesy call by the Chief Guest, Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti, CEO of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Henry Mutembei, accompanied by university management and other dignitaries. The conference was officially opened by Prof. Mutembei, who commended participants for their dedication to knowledge advancement and innovation.
Keynote addresses set a strong tone for the conference. Eng. Peter Waihenya of GIZ Kenya delivered a compelling presentation on Green Hydrogen, emphasizing its transformative potential for sustainable energy solutions in Kenya and beyond. Prof. Judson Singer Oku, Director of the Tharaka Invention Center, presented “Rediscovering the Spirit of Innovation – AI-Powered Education Rooted in African Cosmology,” exploring the integration of indigenous African knowledge with modern technology.
In his remarks, the Chief Guest, Dr. Daniel Mutegi, highlighted the vital role of research and innovation in fostering national cohesion, peace, and sustainable development. Mr. Enos Weswa, County Director at the UK–Kenya Tech Hub, British High Commission, delivered an address titled “Universities as Innovation Incubators for Societal Impact,” emphasizing the importance of higher education institutions in nurturing innovations that address community needs and drive national growth.
Further remarks were made by Prof. Jonah Kindiki, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (AFD&D) and Prof. Gilbert Nduru, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (ARSA), who stressed the need for an enabling environment to support research and innovation within the university.
Later in the day, Mr. Garret Evans and Ms. Meggy Nakibi from Gender Equity and Reconciliation International delivered a keynote titled “Healing the Divine: Transformative Community Approaches to Gender Equity,” underscoring the importance of inclusive, community-based strategies for promoting gender equality and social harmony.
In the afternoon, participants engaged in parallel sessions covering education, health, environment, agriculture, and socioeconomic research. These sessions provided a platform for researchers, scholars, and practitioners to share insights, showcase innovations, and foster collaborations aimed at tackling global and local challenges through research-driven sustainable solutions.
Day One of the 12th International Research Conference at Chuka University (23–24 Oct 2025) concluded successfully under the theme “Leveraging Technological Solutions in Research, Training, and Innovations for Sustainable Development.”
The event began with a courtesy call by Chief Guest Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti (NCIC CEO) to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Mutembei, who officially opened the conference, praising the commitment to innovation and knowledge advancement.
Keynote presentations included Eng. Peter Waihenya (GIZ Kenya) on the transformative potential of Green Hydrogen for sustainable energy, and Prof. Judson Singer Oku on blending African indigenous knowledge with AI-powered education. Mr. Enos Weswa (UK-Kenya Tech Hub) highlighted universities as innovation incubators driving societal impact.
Dr. Mutegi emphasized the vital role of research and innovation in fostering national cohesion and development. Prof. Jonah Kindiki and Prof. Gilbert Nduru underscored the need for an enabling environment to support research and innovation.
Later, Mr. Garret Evans and Ms. Meggy Nakibi (Gender Equity and Reconciliation International) delivered a keynote on community-driven approaches to gender equity.
In the afternoon, participants engaged in parallel sessions covering education, health, environment, agriculture, and socioeconomic research — fueling collaborations to address global and local challenges with sustainable, research-driven solutions.
