Egerton University has been officially selected to host the 2nd Research Festival in August 2025, an event organized in collaboration with the National Research Fund (NRF). This follows a strategic meeting held on February 13, 2025, where Egerton’s senior management, led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics, Research & Extension) Prof. Bernard Aduda, met with NRF CEO Prof. Dickson Andala and his team.
The meeting solidified Egerton’s commitment to advancing research and innovation, particularly in agriculture and food security, the main theme of the upcoming festival. This marks a significant milestone, as the first edition of the Research Festival was held in Nairobi, and this time, the event moves to Nakuru, further strengthening Egerton University’s role as a hub for research excellence.
Among the NRF team present were Prof. Vasey Mwaja, Editor-in-Chief at the Kenya National Academy of Science, along with Mr. Jacob Njagi and Ms. Laura Odhiambo. Egerton University’s delegation included Prof. Richard Mulwa (Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Finance & Planning), Prof. Nzula Kitaka (Director, Marketing & Resource Mobilization), Prof. Japheth Onyando (Dean Faculty of Engineering & Technology), Prof. Josphat Matasyoh, and Prof. Erick Cheruiyot.
During the meeting, Prof. Aduda highlighted Egerton University’s strong research foundations and longstanding partnerships. He emphasized the importance of dissemination and commercialization of research findings, pointing out that while funding remains a challenge, institutions must work towards ensuring their research creates tangible impact.
Prof. Mulwa commended NRF for its funding support, acknowledging how the institution has enabled many researchers to kick-start their projects. Prof. Kitaka echoed this, citing Egerton’s dedication to community impact and climate change mitigation, with notable projects such as the conservation of the Mau Ecosystem and the rehabilitation of Kenyatta and Kuresoi Dams.
Prof. Cheruiyot, an expert in underutilized high-value crops in particulae sorghum, shared his experiences, noting that while NRF has been instrumental in research support, there is a need for more funding to reduce reliance on international donors. Prof. Matasyoh, an NRF funding recipient, emphasized the importance of regularly disseminating calls for research proposals to support young researchers. Prof. Onyando, a soil and water engineering expert, also highlighted his extensive collaboration with NRF and the need for sustained partnerships.
Speaking at the meeting, NRF CEO Prof. Andala praised Egerton University for its proactive engagement with communities and county governments. He emphasized that these strong ties make Egerton the ideal host for the second edition of the Research Festival. He further revealed that NRF has funded research projects worth Ksh. 6.5 billion, benefiting postgraduate students and researchers. He called for greater involvement of stakeholders in ensuring research outcomes translate into practical solutions.
Prof. Mwaja noted that the first Research Festival in Nairobi was a success, but hosting the second edition at a university setting will bring even more engagement from stakeholders, including industry players who can utilize research outputs effectively.
As Egerton University gears up to host this prestigious event, the festival is expected to be a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing innovative research that can address pressing national and global challenges.
