Examining university-industry links in Kenya

What is the status of academia-industry links in Kenya?

Are there strong functional links between universities and industry in Kenya? This might be rhetorical question but nevertheless a valid one. Ofcourse there are existing linkages. I however think they are too few considering the number of institutions and possibilities. It is looks more dismal when measured against the achievements of German institutions applying the UAS model. As a colleague in a leading Kenyan university says, the situation calls for some soul searching. What haven’t we (Kenyan academic institutions) done right? What should/can we do differently?

University and industry links – Both sides need to extend a hand:

To be successful, the university of applied sciences model will need to be well understood and embraced by both sides- the industry and university side. The challenge is that currently industry in Kenya is yet to fully appreciate the capability existing in university. The industry is however not to blame for this situation. Arguably, most universities have in the past focused too much on the academic side, and did not pay adequate attention to the needs of industry. Universities also need to put in place effective mechanisms to support their objectives of engaging with industry. The perception that public universities are ill equipped to address the technology needs of industry needs to be addressed with focused positive messaging and sustained outreach actions. This may also include working with media and public relations offices within a strategy designed to orchestrate closer  working relations between industry and universities.