Maseno University shines at Kisumu ASK show
By Maurine Akinyi and John Okumu
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uring this year’s Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) show held in Kisumu, Maseno University showcased a number of new agricultural technologies geared towards improving yields. Among the exhibits was a research by Professor John Collince Onyango of Botany department who has researched on a new rice variety, indigenous Nerica rice (Oriza sativa) which is rain-fed and drought resistant unlike the common type grown under irrigation. The species can withstand harsh climatic conditions with little or no rainfall at all. Other schools that displayed items were the Schools of Medicine, Education and Arts and Social Sciences. The exhibits evidently showed that the institution’s standards were unrivaled, save for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology which clinched this year’s top position. Maseno’s presentation indicated that it was adequately prepared and had improved tremendously compared to the previous years. With the Maseno University Band that boasts of several awards providing entertainment, the stand remained alive for the better part of the show. This drew several guests who thronged the University’s stand out of curiosity. Apart from Maseno, several other
Dr George Ogonji Agumba of the School of Medicine (right) presents an exhibit to the ASK judges in the university stand at the Kisumu ASK Show institutions participated at the ASK show which was officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary for Livestock Fisheries and Agriculture, Mr Felix Kosgey. While inspecting various stands, Mr Kosgey advised various researchers to widen their scope as far as development of new inventions goes. He said, “New areas of study will help to curb societal dysfunctions like unemployment, diseases and poverty”. The Cabinet Secretary expressed optimism that Kenya would soon be a major producer of both food and cash crops which will reduce importation of products, hence improving the economy. “When we reach that stage, it will be possible to redirect money spent in importations to other sectors,” the Cabinet Secretary noted. ?
Internet connectivity platform launched by Google in Maseno University
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By Emilly Owiti oogle has entered into partnership with Maseno University to provide internet accessibility to staff and students. Through Google Application (Apps) for Education, the largest internet company in the world has launched an email platform to the staff and students of Maseno University in order to enhance communication. The Vice-Chancellor, Maseno University, Professor Dominic Makawiti while addressing first year
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students at Kisumu City Campus College recently said that through collaboration between Maseno University and Google Kenya there is internet connectivity in the whole university. The platform will enhance students’ interaction among themselves and with their lecturers on-line as well as create chat rooms and academic discussion groups. So far a total of 11,496 users, both staff and students have email accounts on the platform.
The Director ICT Maseno University, Mr George Omuono says the Apps platform enables lecturers, students, researchers and supervisors to share information. On this application, lecturers will be able to post their assignments to students who will also share their answers with the lecturers. For example, the Google calendar will help lecturers schedule their lessons efficiently. Mr Omuono says the application has revolutionized communication in Maseno University by improving efficiency in interaction and sharing of knowledge. ?
Varsity News
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