Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has launched Ka-Mero Camel Milk Yoghurt, marking a major milestone in its efforts to commercialise research innovations and create economic opportunities for communities in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions.
The launch, which capped the university’s Fifth International Conference, showcased a series of research-driven innovations aimed at addressing food security, climate change, healthcare, manufacturing and sustainable development under the theme: “Re-emergining Tomorrow: Interdisciplinary Solutions for a Resilient and Sustainable Global Future.”
Lead researcher Prof. Joshua Arimi said the camel milk project seeks to transform pastoral livelihoods through value addition and commercialization of camel milk products.
He said products already approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) include camel milk yoghurt, chocolate, body cream and soap, which are now ready for market entry.
“We intend to roll out the project in arid and semi-arid areas to create jobs and improve incomes. The goal is to commercialise camel milk value-added products and expand opportunities for pastoral communities,” said Prof. Arimi.
He thanked the Kenya National Research Fund and MUST for financing the research project, noting that it has already benefited two women’s groups in Isiolo County that supply camel milk to the university.
According to the groups’ coordinator, Aden Ali, the initiative has significantly increased earnings for women involved in camel rearing and milk production.
Dr. Eunice Marete said the launch demonstrated how university research can move beyond laboratories and deliver practical solutions to society.
“The cream and soap have anti-aging properties, and I am delighted to see these products move from research laboratories to supermarket shelves,” she said.
According to the researcher, the university has already developed several miraa value-added products, including miraa wine, tea bags, capsules, chewing gum and juice.
“We are generating scientific evidence on miraa and appealing for more government funding to support intensive research that will benefit both farmers and the country through increased revenue collection,” he said.
Prof. Arimi also used the occasion to call on the National Government to declassify miraa as a drug, arguing that extensive research has shown the crop functions as a stimulant rather than a narcotic.
He said miraa contributes approximately Sh13 billion annually to Kenya’s economy and supports thousands of farmers across the Mt Kenya region.
The conference also highlighted innovations from MUST’s Sanitation Institute, where researchers have developed Black Soldier Fly technology that converts organic waste into protein-rich feed for poultry and fish farming.
In the healthcare sector, the university showcased a cancer detection microscope with an accuracy rate of about 99 percent, further underscoring its growing investment in medical research and innovation.
Meanwhile, researchers at the university’s Institute of Cement and Concrete unveiled a low-carbon clay-based cement expected to reduce construction costs by up to 40 percent while lowering carbon emissions by 25 percent.
Lead researcher Dr. Joseph Mwiti said the innovation would support the production of affordable construction materials, including hydraulic road binders and soil stabilisers.
“The facility is designed to support development of environmentally friendly construction materials that are both affordable and sustainable,” said Dr. Mwiti.
Speaking during the official opening of the conference at the university’s main campus in Nchiru, Meru County, Vice Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo said the institution has prioritised research projects aimed at addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
Prof. Odhiambo said the university is leveraging science, technology and innovation to develop solutions that help communities adapt to climate-related challenges.
He noted that MUST is also engaging local communities through training programmes on sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation and other climate-smart practices.
“Universities have a responsibility not only to generate knowledge but also to ensure that research findings are translated into practical solutions that directly improve people’s lives,” he said.
The three-day international conference brought together researchers, policymakers, industry players and development partners globally to share knowledge and explore interdisciplinary approaches to building a resilient and sustainable future.
The event highlighted the growing role of Kenyan universities in driving innovation, creating jobs and developing home-grown solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Edited by John Majau
