Education CS Ezekiel Machogu says universities need to be more innovative in finding solutions to their funding challenges.
Over-reliance on state funding, added the CS, was not helping local universities move forward in tandem with those in larger global economies.
"What is needed is for our universities to rise to the occasion and learn to solve their challenges by looking beyond the exchequer for money and this calls that deliberate investment on research be done," Machogu said.
He cited public-private partnerships, commercialization of research and setting up innovative hubs as some of the ways to aid them in finding ways of generating funds.
At the same time, added the CS, universities need to be relevant within the society they operate in to find solutions to problems afflicting the people living there.
"This is the case of universities like Harvard which should be muted," Machogu stated.
The CS was speaking at Kisii University on Tuesday during the institution's 12th graduation.
More than 3100 graduates were conferred with various degrees during the event.
Twenty-one graduates were conferred with 21 PhDs.
Machogu said still the country, cumulatively, needs more than 1000 PhDs annually to aid to leverage the country on research.
The graduation was attended by among others University Chancellor Dr Sara Ruto, Kisii County Governor Simba Arati and County Woman Rep Donya Toto among others.
Machogu also urged for continual advancement of studies among graduates as a mode of tooling and retooling to make them relevant for the job market.
The Education CS also said the government would strive to create a conducive environment and provide the funding required to support universities.
The graduates, he stated, walk out armed with skills that must be applied to change the society they live in.
"Beyond the university gate lie great opportunities where you can be relevant to society. It is your responsibility to explore these opportunities," he stated.
The Chancellor, Dr Sara Ruto said at least 39,000 graduands have passed through Kisii University since its inception.
She said there were ongoing efforts to improve the quality of learning and the general standing of the institution.
Investment in the efforts, she said, would especially focus on excellence.
University Vice Chancellor Nathan Ogechi said the admissions in the institution continue to stretch the existing facilities.
He however said he hoped the housing project being launched in February would assuage the accommodation crisis.
The Vice-Chancellor further asked the graduates to be good Ambassadors as they prepare to join the job market.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati who was present lauded Ogechi on his Tuesday installation as the second Vice Chancellor of the university.
He said the County will continue partnering with the university to strengthen its output.
Ogechi was installed as Kisii University's second Vice-Chancellor hours to the graduation.
