Students are running the clean-energy conversation at Multimedia University of Kenya this week.

The 2nd Annual Biomass (Briquettes) and Bioenergy Conference & Exhibition 2026 opened on Wednesday 11 November at MMU's Main Campus and runs to Friday 13 November.

The theme is "Unlocking the future of clean energy through advocacy investment and Action".

What makes this one different is who convened it. The conference is organised by the Multimedia University of Kenya Renewable Energy Students' Association, MURESA, in partnership with the United Briquette Producers Association of Kenya.

It brings together manufacturers, distributors, policymakers, financiers, researchers, development partners and students to explore opportunities, share knowledge and advance Kenya's clean cooking and bioenergy agenda.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs, Research and Innovation) Prof. Livingstone Ngoo urged MURESA to take a leading role in advancing Kenya's clean energy agenda through research, innovation, entrepreneurship and stronger industry partnerships.

Prof. Ngoo commended MURESA for demonstrating student initiative and leadership in organising the conference. He said young people should be recognised not merely as beneficiaries of the clean energy transition, but as innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and future leaders of the sector.

MMU Director of Research and Innovation, Dr David Wekesa, who also serves as MURESA patron, commended the association for its well-organised initiative and encouraged students to use the conference to learn, network, develop ideas and find opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

United Briquette Producers Association of Kenya chairperson Brian Oiro thanked MURESA for the partnership, and underlined the importance of collaboration between industry players, academic institutions and young innovators in promoting briquette adoption and unlocking employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the bioenergy sector.

MURESA chairperson Annita Wasike welcomed delegates and urged fellow students to maximise the opportunity through active participation, networking and exploring opportunities within the biomass and bioenergy sector.

Among the speakers is Dr Boniface Mutua, CEO of Ecostride Solutions, presenting an innovation that turns biomass waste into valuable energy solutions.