Today marked a significant occasion at Egerton University as the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, joined by other staff members and the student fraternity, celebrated the remarkable achievements of the TAGDev 1.0 program.
“Reflecting on the progress of TAGDev 1.0, we have witnessed remarkable achievements in areas like Subukia, Solai, and Turi in Nakuru County. Projects such as the Cassava Value Chain CARP, led by Professor Richard Mulwa, and the Seed Potato CARP, under Professor Anthony Kibe, have significantly benefited local farming communities. These successes highlight the critical role of academic initiatives in enhancing agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods,” said the VC Prof. Kibwage
The TAGDev Program, in partnership with the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and Gulu University in Uganda, has provided scholarships to 188 students from 14 African countries. The program emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and entrepreneurship, creating a robust foundation for the future of our youth.
Prof. Kibwage expressed immense pride and pleasure, noting, "It is with great pleasure and immense pride that I stand before you today to celebrate the significant milestone of TAGDev 1.0. This journey towards transforming agriculture into a vibrant sector that empowers our youth and drives economic growth has been nothing short of extraordinary."
Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics Research and Extension, Prof. Bernard Aduda, highlighted the need for continued commitment as TAGDev 1.0 transitions, urging all stakeholders to maintain the momentum and build on the program's success. Prof. Richard Mulwa, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration Finance and Planning), emphasized the importance of integrating modern infrastructure into future projects and proposed the idea of a research park at Egerton University, where research hubs with specific themes can drive innovation.
Prof. Nancy Mungai, the TAGDev Coordinator, provided a brief history of TAGDev 1.0, which started in 2016 and concluded towards the end of June 2024. She reflected on its journey, noting the program's focus on transforming African agricultural universities and their graduates to better respond to developmental challenges. She appreciated the support from the University Management Board, the TAGDev Coordinating Committee (TCC), various faculties (Agriculture, Education and Community Studies, Environment and Resources Development), departments within these faculties, and the TAGDev secretariat.
The TCC Chairman, Prof. Charles M’Erimba, expressed optimism for the future, stating, "Even as TAGDev 1.0 concludes, we expect to surpass our standards of delivery as witnessed in the recently concluded program." Prof. Kimurto, Director of the Agro-science Park and Innovation Center, acknowledged the impact TAGDev has had on the community, while Prof. Mwonga, representing the CESAAM Director, congratulated TAGDev on its achievements.
Prof. Joseph Wamutitu, the former Chair of TCC, paid tribute to the late Prof. Abdul Faraj, the former Dean, for his leadership and vision in establishing the TAGDev Program. He called for continued collaboration and innovative ideas that translate into tangible solutions.
Dr. Fr. Gerishon Kuria Njuguna spoke on behalf of the Procurement Inspection Committee Chair, Prof. Elias Maranga, and mentioned the various procurement processes that TAGDev 1.0 engaged and adhered to. His insights provided a deeper understanding of the meticulous efforts taken to ensure the program's success.
Present during the event were Registrar Academic Affairs Prof. Mwanarusi Saidi, Dean Agriculture Prof. Patience Mshenga, Dean Environment Prof. Wilkister Moturi, Prof. Anthony Kibe, and representing Finance Department Anthony M. Ndukanio.
The event was expertly guided by Dr. Maurice Udoto, Deputy Registrar Academic Affairs, as the Master of Ceremonies. The University Chaplain, Dr. Rev. Samwel Nduati, concluded the ceremony with a heartfelt prayer, emphasizing unity and continued progress.
