30 MAY 2025: By KURIAN MUSA
The BREEDTECH project proudly sponsored 17 postgraduate students—both Kenyan and international—to present their research at the Laikipia University Biennial Conference held from May 28th to 30th, 2025.
Under the leadership of Egerton University’s BREEDTECH Principal Investigator Dr. Miriam Charimbu and Co-PIs Dr. Oyoo Murice, Prof. Paul Kimurto, and Mercy Wamalwa, the students shared cutting-edge research in crop improvement, soil science, pest management, and plant disease control. Their contributions added critical insights to ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural systems through science and innovation.
Guest of honor Eliud Kipchoge (Right) signing vistors book and Dr. Miriam Charimbu, BREEDTECH Principal Investigator (Centre) , attentively follow student research presentations during the Laikipia University Biennial Conference 2025. The session highlighted groundbreaking work in agricultural science supported by Egerton University's BREEDTECH project. (Photo: Courtesy)
Beyond academic presentations, BREEDTECH demonstrated its strong commitment to innovation and agribusiness development. At the conference, the project collaborated with key stakeholders—including seed companies, agro-dealers, processors, farmer groups, and startups—to showcase their work at the BREEDTECH exhibition booth. Among the featured partners were Egerton University Agro-Science Park, Egerton Seed Company, Faida Seed, Bequeen Millers, and Inuka Agri Venture. Together, they displayed a wide range of innovations and services designed to enhance Kenya’s agricultural value chain.
World-renowned marathoner and guest of honor Eliud Kipchoge poses with BREEDTECH Principal Investigators—Dr. Miriam Charimbu, Dr. Oyoo Maurice, Prof. Paul Kimurto, and Dr Mercy Wamalwa alongside a section of cohort of 17 postgraduate students supported by Egerton University's BREEDTECH project during the Laikipia University Biennial Conference 2025. The group represents a dynamic blend of research excellence and innovation in agricultural science.(Photo: Courtesy)
A memorable moment came when legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, the conference’s guest of honor, visited the BREEDTECH booth. In his keynote address titled "Innovating Sports for Global Impact," Kipchoge eloquently linked the spirit of innovation in sports with agricultural transformation, highlighting both as vital forces in shaping Africa’s future.
Through initiatives like this, BREEDTECH continues to empower the next generation of researchers and agripreneurs;connecting science, innovation, and community transformation.
