UON and Kenyatta University Biotechnology Students awarded

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝

Students at the university studying biotechnology courses were honored yesterday for their outstanding academic performance.

Every participating student from the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University was awarded a certificate, trophy, and monetary prize by the Kenya University Biotechnology Consortium (KUBICO) for their proficiency.

During the award presentation, the Registrar responsible for Research at Kenyatta University, Prof. Richard Oduor, mentioned that there are new innovations emerging in the 21st century, making it essential to recognize the contributions of young scientists.

“We are witnessing the future of biotechnology moving from its current status to greater heights, and we are motivating the youth in this discipline to make an effort and start valuing the evolving landscape,” he stated.

Prof. Oduor, who also holds a position as a professor of molecular and cell biology, remarked that discussions about biotechnology have historically been led by senior scientists; however, it is now time for the youth, with their capacity to utilize social media, to have a voice.

He assured that in the future, KUBICO would actively involve young individuals in various aspects of biotechnology, including promoting their research via a platform aligned with the KUBICO youth segment.

At the gathering, Prof. Oduor cautioned that postponing technological advancements in biotechnology, such as GMOs, would result in numerous university graduates missing job opportunities.

He described biotechnology as one of the leading courses offered at universities that require high academic standards, with many students interested and applying for admission in fields like biomedical engineering, informatics, food security and food financing, and sustainability, all of which are interconnected with biotechnology.

Prof. Oduor observed that as the number of interested students rises, it is now crucial to have more structured discussions regarding biotechnology, especially in light of the ongoing debate on GMOs.

Earlier last month, the Court of Appeal reversed previous decisions that lifted a 10-year ban on the technology, with one non-governmental organization, the Kenyan Peasants League, obtaining a conservatory order that prevents the government from proceeding with actions to allow the importation of GMO crops and food into the nation until their appeal has been resolved.

“Despite the ongoing discussions and restrictions on the technology, none of the universities have ceased their programs, and we have remained firm in our belief in this technology, which is recognized by both the government and the regulators,” stated Prof. Oduor.

He urged the Judiciary to expedite the resolution of the issue and settle the GMO approval case promptly so that some products derived from the technology can be utilized by students graduating from biotechnology programs.

“KUBICO looks forward to strongly supporting the government and all universities by advancing the GMO discussion, and while there is much optimism and resolve, there is a need for raising awareness among the judicial system and legislators regarding this matter,” he concluded.

The Head of the Biotechnology Programme at the University of Nairobi and the Secretary General for the Kenya University Biotechnology Consortium, Dr. Joel Ochieng, stated that biotechnology serves as a means to enhance food production through innovative methods.

“This is one of the sectors that is crucial for food security in Kenya because, as you know, agricultural advancement will rely on both manpower and the development of human resources and training at the university level and ideally even prior to university,” Dr. Ochieng expressed.

He elaborated that acknowledging the top-performing students in biotechnology and related fields was essential for encouraging them, and in turn, they could inspire their peers who follow to exert more effort and regard biotechnology as a promising field for research, training, and assure them of rewarding opportunities in the future. Amos Phares, a student at Kenyatta University pursuing a BSc in Molecular and Cell Biology, shared that biotechnology offers more advantages than drawbacks and that misconceptions and misinformation surrounding it were hindering biotechnological innovations from flourishing.

“If we can concentrate on the advantages that biotechnology can provide for us as a nation, we would be comparable to the rest of the world,” Phares, who was recognized as one of the top students, stated. Carolyn Mboya, a third-year student and a student leader within the School of Applied Science, as well as a congressperson at Kenyatta University, mentioned that it is vital to educate young people about the significance of biotechnology as they are the most effective channels to promote it.

Prof. Charles Muleke from Egerton University pointed out that the nation would not achieve food security merely by utilizing traditional food production methods.

“We will need to adopt enhanced techniques that integrate teaching as a model and learn from the advancements in technology. The government must boost funding for biotechnology programs to promote sustainable production,” Prof. Muleke emphasized.