Vice Chancellor Hosts KeNIA CEO for Entrepreneurial Maturity Framework Assessment
[Thur, May 16, 2024, Main Campus Athi River] The Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro hosted Dr. Tonny Omwansa, CEO of the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), for peer assessment of Daystar University's Entrepreneurial Maturity Framework.
The assessment aimed at determining Daystar University's maturity level based on five entrepreneurial constructs: leadership and governance, human capital, infrastructure, policies and strategies, entrepreneurial education, and alumni association. The evaluation provided invaluable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement within Daystar's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Accompanying the VC was the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research and Student Affairs Prof. Faith Nguru, and members of the Daystar Institutional Working Group: Dr. Caroline Ayuya (Team Leader), Prof. Samuel Muriithi, and Ms. Zipporah Mwololo. Additionally, Dean of Students Rev. Mutinda Musyimi, IHub students, Congress leaders and faculty members were also present.
The peer review was conducted by a team from Riara University led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Research, and Student Affairs, Prof. Wanja Tenambergen.
In his address, Prof. Ayiro emphasized the importance of having innovative ideas, stating, "Money follows ideas. You must first have an idea of what you want to do, then money will follow." He challenged Daystar faculty and students to engage in innovation and practical skills development. He also urged faculty to teach from the heart, stating that heartfelt teaching communicates ideas to students' minds, which in turn engages their hands.
During the meeting, Dr. Tonny Omwansa revealed that KeNIA is signing Memoranda of Understanding with various universities on behalf of the government. These agreements aim to provide faculty and students with platforms for innovation and research, supported by an innovation fund for institutions participating in KeNIA’s Institutional Support Program.
Prof. Ayiro is the Vice Chair of the KeNIA's Kenya Network of Entrepreneurial Institutions Leaders (KNEIL).