South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) led by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Eng. Douglas Shitanda took part in the entrepreneurial education summit 2026, held at Pullman Hotel in Nairobi, organized by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) and Network of Entrepreneurial Institutions Leaders (NEIL) along with other key partners.
Under the theme “Rethinking Entrepreneurial Education,” the summit brought together policymakers, academic leaders, industry representatives, and student innovators to reimagine education systems that better prepare young people to create jobs, launch ventures, and contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s industrial and economic transformation.
At the summit, universities and education stakeholders converged to outline strategies for embedding entrepreneurship across curricula not just as standalone courses, but as core components of students learning experiences. Sessions focused on transitioning from theory to practice, strengthening collaborations between academia and industry, and equipping learners with real-world problem-solving skills.
The summit’s agenda included dialogues on:
- Nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets that encourage initiative, adaptability, and resilience.
- Strengthening linkages between higher education institutions, industry partners, and innovation ecosystems.
- Mainstreaming venture-based learning so that research and student ideas can translate into viable enterprises.
Prof. Shitanda’s presence underscored SEKU’s dedication to advancing entrepreneurship within the university’s academic mission. In line with national aspirations for industrialization and job creation, his participation signaled SEKU’s readiness to deepen its role in cultivating graduates who are not only employable, but also capable of launching and sustaining ventures that address local and national challenges.
While the summit spotlighted broader education reform, it also highlighted the crucial responsibility universities have in shaping learners’ mindsets, moving beyond traditional lectures to experiential learning, mentorship, and real market engagement. His engagement aligned with this vision, reinforcing SEKU’s strategy to equip students with entrepreneurial competencies relevant to Kenya’s evolving economic landscape.
Looking Ahead
As Kenya continues to invest in innovation-driven growth and workforce development, forums like the Entrepreneurial Education Summit play a pivotal role in aligning educational delivery with the needs of industry and society. SEKU’s participation, through the leadership of Prof. Shitanda, positions the university as a key champion of entrepreneurship education reforms that aim to empower youth as job creators and innovators for the future.
