Egerton University is solidifying its position as a regional leader in agricultural innovation following a high-level meeting on Monday between Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage and Kilimo Trust Kenya Country Director Mr. Antony Mugambi.
The engagement advanced plans for establishing a Joint Centre of Excellence in Regenerative Agriculture to be hosted at the university’s Agro-Science Park.
According to Director Agro-Science Park, Prof. Paul Kipkemboi Kimurto, the proposed Centre—valued at approximately KSh 30 million—is currently undergoing internal and inter-agency approvals and is expected to be launched soon once statutory and institutional processes are completed.
The facility is intended to drive research, innovation, and capacity development in sustainable and climate-smart food systems.
Prof. Kimurto, who led technical discussions with Kilimo Trust officials, emphasized that the Centre will anchor demonstration farms, farmer and extension training, agribusiness incubation, and collaborative applied research.
The initiative aligns with Egerton University’s core mandate in agricultural science and will enhance the Agro-Science Park’s role as a regional hub for regenerative agriculture, value chain development, and technology transfer.
The project is to be financed through a joint proposal by the Agro-Science Park and Kilimo Trust to the IKEA Foundation (Netherlands).
Prof. Kimurto noted that the Foundation is currently supporting complementary work on regenerative rice technologies—such as biochar production, rice straw valorization for livestock feed, and legume integration in Mwea and Ahero irrigation schemes—implemented jointly by Egerton University and Kilimo Trust.
Lead scientists include Prof. Kimurto and Prof. Ondiek (Chair, Animal Science), with several postgraduate students (MSc and PhD) contributing to field experimentation and data generation.
Speaking during the meeting, Kilimo Trust Country Director Mr. Antony Mugambi stated that the Joint Centre of Excellence will serve as a regional platform for East Africa dedicated to climate-smart agriculture, carbon-credit and bio-economy research, and private sector innovation within regenerative agriculture and agrifood systems.
On behalf of the Kilimo Trust Board and CEO Dr. Birungi Kurutaro, based in Kampala, Uganda, Mr. Mugambi expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and university management for facilitating approvals through the National Treasury, Ministry of Education, and Attorney General’s Office.
Mugambi affirmed that the Centre will be accessible to researchers, students, and agricultural communities.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kibwage welcomed the partnership, noting that the Centre aligns with national and continental priorities in sustainable food systems and demonstrates the university’s commitment to knowledge-driven agricultural transformation.
The initiative signals an enhanced model of university–industry–development collaboration, with potential to influence policy, improve farmer resilience, and strengthen value chains amid accelerating climate variability in the region.
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