| dc.description.abstract | The 2nd President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency
Hon. Daniel T. Arap Moi,
The Chairman Governing Council, Prof. John Lonyangapuo
Members of Management
Invited Guests
Researchers, Ladies and Gentlemen
I would like to start by welcoming you all to the 3rd International
Research conference. This year’s conference focuses on applied
Research and Innovation for Development. Research is a key activity
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of a university and a crucial national asset. Kabarak University is
committed to promote research among students and faculty as a core
activity of the university. It is only through applied research that we
can remain relevant and contribute towards problem solving and
knowledge creation. Our vision as an institution of higher learning is
‘to become a centre of academic excellence founded on Biblical
Christian values.
The reason we seek to provide education from a Biblical Christian
perspective is based on the fact that without a moral foundation
individuals educated only in their minds are half baked. To be
properly rounded up a person must be trained not only in their minds
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but also in character as well. This is in accordance with the Biblical
scripture which states and I quote 1 Timothy 4:8 “For physical
training (academic, psychological, etc) is of some value, but
goliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the
present life and the life to come”
However, without research and submission to the light of God’s word,
this vision will only be a mirage in our eyes. As a leading center of
academic excellence, we must be actively involved in continuous
search for knowledge.
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It is said that ‘research is a formalized curiosity. It is poking and
prying with a purpose’ (Zora Neale Hurston) thus as scholars we
should be active in research as this is the key role to higher education.
Research enables us to identify and conceptualize a problem and with
this, we are able to provide the answers. Research enable us analyze
and discuss issues that affect humanity. We have therefore
continuously invested in the development of research culture,
promotion of innovation and generation of knowledge. That is why,
this year we have set aside a day for undergraduate students to present
their findings as a way of nurturing future researchers. This initiative
promotes innovation and creativity which leads to new products in the
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market and defines the University as a creator and consumer of
knowledge. Numerous discoveries and innovations have considerably
improved our everyday lives and given us better understanding as a
result of research activities.
Ladies and gentlemen, Potential growth of any economy depends
largely on rigorous research activities geared towards solving national
problems and providing answers to industry. This initiative has
potential to improve the ability of stakeholders such as industries,
communities and the government to understand and tackle issues of
national significance. There is need for researchers to focus on
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applied research which is problem driven research that addresses
specific human and industrial needs. This approach is critical as
Kenya focuses on the attainment of Vision 2030.
As I conclude my remarks I express special appreciation to His
Excellency the 2nd President of the Republic of Kenya and the
Chancellor of Kabarak University for his commitment and consistent
support to Kabarak University and the Kenyan youth.
May I also take this opportunity to thank all the presenters in this
conference and encourage them that it is not only important to carry
out research but it is necessary to share and disseminate information
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to provide opportunity for implementation. I wish to recognize the
critical role played by the planning committee and the Institute of Post
Graduate Studies and Research of Kabarak University for the many
hours they invested in planning to make this conference successful. I
also wish to thank the National commission for Science, Technology
and Innovation for consistently supported our research conferences.
Thank you very much and God bless you all. | en_US |
