3.3.3. University-Industry Linkages

Institutions of higher learning are instrumental players in both national and regional innovation systems [45]. In the recent past, universities have received substantial attention with regard to their role in innovation and spurring economic development. Universities are credited with major advances in scientific research and the creation of innovations with impact on the society.

Universities in Kenya have historically played a role in its National Innovation System also in development of RES. Strathmore Energy Research Centre (SERC)—a brainchild of Strathmore University in Nairobi—offers professional training, project development, and technical research in the renewable energy sector [36]. Since its inception in 2012, SERC has been at the forefront in implementing innovative pilot projects with the intention to promote RES into Africa. Trained technicians from SERC are able to do PV installation, repair and maintenance thereby raising awareness and contributing towards uptake of PV technology.

Furthermore, the centre for research on New and Renewable Energies at Maseno University has also been instrumental in promoting RES exploitation locally and regionally with special emphasis on rural application [44]. The centre focuses on harnessing bio-energy, geothermal, solar and wind energy.

The energy technology programmes offered in Kenyan universities are created to develop individuals with the capacity to address the national and global challenges in the energy sector. Therefore, this indicates that university-industry linkages exist and maybe utilized to foster increased integration of PV in the electricity generation mix.
