The School of Biological and Life Sciences (SBLS) students held the 2nd Science Exhibition themed; “Innovation and Technology.” The students were tasked with showcasing and explaining their scientific projects in line with the theme of the exhibition.
This exhibition which was a part of the students’ Industrial Based Attachment (IBL) attracted students from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology and the Department of Applied Technical Biology who came up with innovative solutions to contemporary socio-economic challenges.
Among the invited Guests were the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Head of Trade Development, Mr. Kassim Were, Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Research and Technology Development, Prof. Alfred Orina, Executive Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology - Prof. Francis Gatheri, Director School of Biological and Life Sciences - Prof. Dorcas Yole and departmental lecturers among others.
Mr. Kassim Were urged the students to avoid rushing into the industry without having acquired the necessary skills challenging them to take time to further their education and equip themselves with the requisite skills. He noted that he was prepared to offer the best TU-K students job opportunities as well as gift the best students from that exhibition as an appreciation for hard work.
“When you go for your attachments, try to establish a social network because they will come in handy when looking for a job,” he noted. “The industry only takes the best, so use your time here at the University wisely,” he added.
The DVC-Research and Technology Development, Prof. Alfred Orina, appreciated the School for a well-organized exhibition. He applauded the lecturers for the good exposure they give to their students which enables them hone their skills. Prof. Orina adviced the students to improve on their soft skills such as communication skills, interpersonal skills, people skills and so on, pointing out that industry prefers people with such skills.
“Take advantage of this opportunity, it is given to you so that you can practice the technical skills you have acquired over the years,” said Prof. Orina. He further noted that the University fully supports students in what they do and expects them to go out and conquer the world.
Prof. Francis Gatheri, the Executive Dean- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, advised the students to get more innovative, adding that they could utilize such opportunities to launch their future careers by upgrading the simple projects presented during the exhibition. He appreciated the School’s lecturers and students for their innovative skills exhibited through the student’s projects.
There were ten (10) exhibiting teams, each with its own project including;
- Embracing entomophagy by white grub consumption to guarantee food security (Nutrigrabflour).
- Hydroponic system as an alternative to conventional farming.
- Development of edible oyster mushroom kit for small scale farmers and urban populations in Kenya
- Development of Garlic extract bio pesticide for sustainable crop protection.
- Lactic acid production from food waste using Escherichia Coli for food preservation
- Compost manure enriched with rabbit urine (compost fix)
- Biopesticide from Azadiractin and Pyrethrin to enhance food security
- Production of biodiesel from sunflower oil (Beta Diesel)
- The preservative effect of pawpaw (Carica papaya) extract on Beef
- Fish Preservative from synergy of lemon grass and banana peel extracts
