University Management Board Holds Two-Day TAGDev 2.0 Strategic Retreat in Elementaita

Egerton University’s University Management Board held a two-day strategic retreat at a hotel in Elementaita to review progress and strengthen support for the TAGDev 2.0 programme under RUFORUM. The meeting brought together University Management, the TAGDev coordination team, and key institutional leaders. The retreat focused on milestones, strategic direction, and institutional commitments. Leaders also discussed sustainability and long-term impact.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage, opened the retreat with a strong call for institutional commitment. He reaffirmed the University’s support for TAGDev 2.0. He described the programme as a critical pillar for research, innovation, and community engagement. He noted that the initiative aligns with youth empowerment, food systems transformation, and inclusive development. He urged the Board to provide strategic leadership and policy support.The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the University has strengthened governance structures to support programme implementation. He said management continues to provide oversight and accountability. He added that TAGDev 2.0 offers a practical model for integrating externally funded programmes into institutional systems. He stressed the need to deepen institutional ownership. He also called for stronger monitoring and evaluation.

Day one focused on programme progress and milestones. The TAGDev team presented achievements in curriculum transformation and staff capacity building. The meeting reviewed progress in aligning academic programmes with regulatory requirements and market needs. Participants discussed the transition to Competency-Based Education. They noted that the approach strengthens experiential learning. It also promotes innovation and entrepreneurship.The Board reviewed progress in policy development. The programme has supported formulation and review of key institutional policies. These policies strengthen governance and service delivery. 

It was emphasized that implementation and compliance is key, calling for alignment between policy, strategy, and programme outputs. The participants also stressed accountability in execution.The retreat also highlighted student-focused interventions. TAGDev 2.0 supports scholarships, mentorship, and leadership training. The programme promotes inclusivity and equal opportunity. It equips students with entrepreneurship and digital skills. Participants noted that these interventions improve graduate readiness. They also strengthen employability and enterprise development.At the same time ,  existing partnerships and collaboration were reviewed. Egerton University continues to work with regional and global institutions. These partnerships support knowledge exchange and innovation. On community outreach, an enhanced approach was deliberated, with participants highlighting initiatives in climate-smart agriculture and agrifood systems. These initiatives, they said, promote youth employment and community resilience.

Day two focused on strategic planning and commitments. The University Management Board discussed sustainability of programme interventions. Members emphasized integration of TAGDev activities into core university functions. They committed to strengthening resource allocation. They also pledged continued policy support. The Board underscored the importance of scaling successful initiatives. This through support for innovations from research to Commercialisation, development of spinoffs, and development of products. Vice-Chancellor Prof Isaac Kibwage urged members to champion institutional transformation. He called for stronger coordination across departments. He emphasized results-based implementation. He also stressed stakeholder engagement and visibility.The University will continue to prioritize youth empowerment and climate-smart agriculture.

"This programme should build a resilient community of experts, to harness graduates who must drive innovation and societal change," explained Prof. Kibwage.The VC stressed, "Strengthening governance frameworks, supporting competency-based education and enhancement of entrepreneurship and incubation platforms is our key areas of priority."  Discussants committed to scaling community engagement initiatives. The two days session aims at consolidating TAGDev 2.0 gains and making solid steps to strengthen institutional alignment. It also reinforced management commitment. The deliberations positioned Egerton University to expand impact. Through sustained leadership and strategic support, the University aims to build resilient experts, transform communities, and advance sustainable agricultural development across the region.