[Athi River, March 4, 2025] Daystar University signed a memorandum of understanding with Centurion Systems Limited, and The Factor-Y/CBaaS.

Signing on behalf of Daystar University was the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban P. Ayiro, while Factor-Y Ltd was represented by the Executive Director, Dr. Kevit Desai.

The MOU aims to jointly develop a framework for marketing, commercializing and monetizing innovative business ideas and inventions by the University staff and students.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Vice Chancellor observed that people were not capacitated to turn innovations into profitable commercial enterprises.

“The more we get into commercialization and entrepreneurship, the more our research engagement will intensify,” said the VC, adding that this was the reason the University created the Directorate of Research, Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship (D-RICE).

On his part, Dr. Kevit Desai noted that Government requires more compelling research-based evidence to provide structural transformation. He was however quick to note that this was not happening because the industry and academia were disjointed. 

“I believe [that] with this MOU, we will be able to turn the narrative around,” said Dr. Desai, adding that the MOU will put structures in place to enhance research and encourage students and faculty to play a significant role as far as innovations are concerned.

As a value add, Dr. Desai said the MOU will search for pathways that bring innovations to international markets.

Dr. Desai was accompanied by Partner and Business Development Director, The Factor-Y, Mr. Andre Varma and CBaaS Company Assistant and Kenya Representative, Ms. Jenifer Kinyua.

Also present from Daystar University was Director D-RICE, Dr. Caroline Ayuya Muaka, the Director for Academic Affairs, Dr. Dinah Keino, the Director Main Campus, Dr. Daniel Robert Aswani, the Director Resource Mobilization Ms. Jacqueline Mathaga, the Deputy Director D-RICE Dr. Pamela Juma, and the University Chaplain Rev. Miano Weche. 

The MOU will be managed and implemented by the D-RICE Director, Dr. Caroline Ayuya-Muaka, andher counterpart Mr. Philipp Assmus.