By John Kariuki
Dr Tonny Omwansa, CEO of the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), is spearheading a transformative mentorship initiative aimed at empowering university students to become the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Speaking during the first day of the University Students Mentorship Program, Dr Omwansa outlined a clear and ambitious vision. He emphasized that the initiative is designed not to replace academic learning, but to complement it by equipping students with practical skills and inspiring them to take action through the formation of student-led innovation clubs within their institutions.
“We hope that this program complements what you learn in school and sparks action like creation of functional student-led innovation clubs in your institutions,” Dr Omwansa stated. His message resonated deeply with participants, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world problem solving.
One of the day’s highlights was a hands-on session on Design Thinking Ideation, facilitated by innovation consultant Yvonne Njeri. She guided students through a structured approach to building purpose-driven startups, stressing the importance of beginning with real problems, focusing on customer needs, testing the feasibility of ideas, building strong support networks, and remaining agile, adaptable, and mission-driven.
“Innovation isn’t just about building products; it’s about solving problems with clarity, empathy, and courage,” Njeri emphasized.
As Day 1 concluded, the objective of the mentorship program stood firm—to equip young innovators with the mindset and tools to transform ideas into impactful ventures that address societal challenges.
With visionary leadership from Dr Tonny Omwansa, Kenya’s innovation ecosystem is taking significant steps toward nurturing a generation of creative, proactive, and purpose-driven student entrepreneurs.
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