The Kenya-USA Global Launchpad Initiative (KUGLi) marked a significant milestone with its inaugural innovation summit at Kibabii University, signaling a new era of entrepreneurial collaboration between Kenyan and American universities. Spearheaded by Dr. Churchill Saoke, a renowned consultant and researcher, and supported by the U.S. Embassy, KUGLi aims to foster entrepreneurial mindsets among students and bridge partnerships between Kenyan institutions and Syracuse University in New York.
KUGLi was born out of a vision to nurture young innovators capable of addressing global challenges through micro-multinational ventures. At the summit, Dr. Saoke underscored the importance of innovation in transforming lives and communities. He highlighted the program’s commitment to providing students with the resources, support, and opportunities necessary to turn their visions into reality. “Our mission is to cultivate a culture where new ideas can flourish, and where young innovators like yourselves are empowered to turn your visions into reality,” remarked Dr. Saoke, who serves as the program’s lead trainer.
The summit drew a diverse array of participants, including students from at least eight universities, who engaged in mentorship sessions and presented their entrepreneurial ideas. The event was graced by distinguished guests such as Mr. Drew Giblin, the Cultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Bungoma County Deputy Governor Jannipher Mbatiany, and Traci Geisler, Director of the Blackstone LaunchPad at Syracuse University. The presence of these high-profile individuals underscored the significance of the initiative in fostering international collaboration and youth empowerment.
The KUGLi initiative has enrolled 131 students from both Kenya and the USA. These students have participated in a rigorous program of physical, virtual, and hybrid training sessions led by faculties from Syracuse University, under the guidance of Professor Bruce Kingma. The key focus of these sessions has been to identify unexploited areas for joint micro-multinational ventures using STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)-focused solutions to tackle global issues.
During the summit’s opening ceremony, Deputy Governor Jennipher Mbatiany outlined Bungoma County’s priorities in youth empowerment. She emphasized the county’s commitment to collaborating with students to build skills that meet community needs. The Deputy Governor’s remarks resonated with the broader goals of KUGLi, which seeks to empower youth by equipping them with entrepreneurial skills that are relevant in today’s global economy.
Mr. Drew Giblin, representing the U.S. Embassy, highlighted Kenya’s pivotal role as a promoter of peace and stability in the region. He expressed the U.S. Government’s commitment to working with partners like KUGLi to strengthen bilateral ties between the USA and Kenya. “The U.S. mission will continue to work with partners such as universities to strengthen the bilateral partnerships between the USA and Kenya,” he stated. Mr. Giblin also emphasized that initiatives like KUGLi align with the embassy’s broader interest in promoting youth development and fostering people-to-people connections between the two nations.
The summit featured insightful discussions on various topics critical to building an entrepreneurial ecosystem. These included handling failure, business incubation, and the patenting process, among others. The students had the opportunity to present their business pitches to a panel of judges, showcasing their innovative ideas. The competition was fierce, and the best pitches were awarded, further motivating the students to continue refining their entrepreneurial ventures.
The Kenya-USA Global Launchpad Initiative’s inaugural summit at Kibabii University was a resounding success, setting the stage for future collaborations between Kenyan and American universities. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students, KUGLi is playing a crucial role in addressing global challenges and building a brighter future for young people on both sides of the Atlantic. As the initiative continues to grow, it is expected to yield tangible results in the form of micro-multinational ventures that will contribute to the economic and social development of both Kenya and the USA.
