Tujenge Pamoja! UoN Hosts The 11th GETM4 Sandpit
The University of Nairobi hosted the 11th Global Entrepreneurial Talent Management 4 (GETM4) Sandpit from the 20th – 24th July 2026, bringing together leading researchers, innovators, policymakers and higher education institutions from Europe, Asia and Africa to strengthen global collaboration in entrepreneurship, research and innovation.
The international initiative was attended by representatives from University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Technological University Dublin (Ireland), Northumbria University Newcastle (United Kingdom), the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), the University of Warsaw (Poland), Tallinn University (Estonia), Kyungpook National University (South Korea), Chonnam National University (South Korea), among other global collaborators.
GETM4 is an international research and innovation project funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) of Horizon Europe. The project seeks to understand how entrepreneurial talent can help individuals, universities, industries and communities respond to global disruptions such as climate change, rapid digitalization, economic uncertainty and public health crises. Through international collaboration, GETM4 aims to promote responsible digital innovation, sustainable entrepreneurship and societal well-being while strengthening research capacity across continents.
Representing the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE), Prof. Thomas Ochuka Mbuya, Director of Research, Innovation and Enterprise, reaffirmed the University of Nairobi's commitment to placing research and innovation at the centre of national development.
He emphasized that the University is focused on commercializing research outputs capable of addressing both national and global challenges, noting that impactful research must be transnational, transdisciplinary and trans-sectoral. Referencing the Engineering and Science Complex, he added that meaningful impact is realized within communities and that strong partnerships provide the platform for advancing the University's research and innovation agenda.
"Our research and innovation agenda is designed around impact," Prof. Mbuya stated, underscoring the importance of collaborative approaches in translating research into practical solutions.
Officially opening the programme on behalf of the Government of Kenya, Dr. Gideon Kivengea, representing the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, highlighted Kenya's growing position as Africa's leading innovation hub.
He noted that science, research and innovation remain central to the country's socio-economic transformation and praised Kenya's transition towards the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system as a critical step in nurturing future innovators. Dr. Kivengea stressed that international collaboration is essential for unlocking global opportunities.
"We cannot go through this journey alone. Such partnerships will take us where we aim to be. If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together," he remarked. He further applauded Kenya's youth for their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, describing them as key drivers of the country's future global competitiveness.
Delivering remarks on Kenya's innovation ecosystem, Dr. Tonny Omwansa, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), emphasized the need for universities to continually strengthen entrepreneurship education. He observed that educators teaching entrepreneurship must continuously refresh their skills to align with modern technological and industry trends. Dr. Omwansa also showcased several KeNIA initiatives supporting entrepreneurial development, including:
- Entrepreneurial Institutions Maturity Framework (EIMF)
- Innovation Academy
- Startup School
- Commercialization and Entrepreneurial Institutions Leaders (CEIL) Summit
- Pan-African Network on Innovation Agencies
He noted that these initiatives are helping institutions strengthen innovation ecosystems, accelerate commercialization and prepare entrepreneurs to compete in global markets.
A key highlight of the GETM4 Sandpit was the Student Voices: UoN Innovators Pitch, where students showcased innovative solutions addressing pressing societal challenges. The featured projects included:
- Project Mini Lui – a robot that detects, tracks, and extinguishes fire outbreaks, by Kassim Musa, Furaha Njeri, and Waithaka Njoroge from the Faculty of Science and Technology.
- Mammary Protect – an AI-integrated portable device for breast cancer detection, by Bilal Mohammed Hussein, Abdulaim Mohammed Hussein, Steven Kikwa, and Mohamed Onyango from the Faculty of Health Sciences.
- Habari Spectra – a portable, solar-powered, non-invasive diagnostic device for sickle cell disease, by Nicole Wafula from the Faculty of Health Sciences.
- UoN Connect – an all-in-one digital platform designed to enhance the University of Nairobi student experience, Faculty of Business and Management Science.
- Kawii Energy Solutions – a sand-based thermal energy storage solution, by Nester Isogol (Faculty of Engineering).
- Water Deionization Device – an innovation for water purification, by John Rokorio from the Faculty of Engineering.
The session highlighted the creativity, research excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit of University of Nairobi students in developing solutions with real-world impact.
Participants also visited the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Research and Innovation Agency (KANTARIA) at the University of Nairobi’s Upper Kabete Campus, where they learned about its work, explored opportunities for collaboration and partnerships, and toured the production plant. The programme also included a visit to the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, as well as sustainability walks and tours of innovative and organic farms, highlighting the University’s commitment to sustainability, research, and innovation.
The GETM4 Sandpit reflects the University of Nairobi's continued commitment to fostering world-class research, innovation and entrepreneurship through strategic international partnerships. By connecting universities, industry, governments and communities, the initiative seeks to build entrepreneurial talent capable of creating sustainable solutions for complex global challenges while positioning Kenya as a leader in innovation-driven development.
