Chuka University has received Ksh100 million from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to begin a nuclear energy project and related technologies to enhance agricultural productivity.
IAEA is a United Nations intergovernmental organization that seeks to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of technologies in the world.
The university Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Henry Mutembei said the institution has already received equipment worth Ksh50 million, including artificial insemination kits and microscopes.
“As an animal scientist, I personally wrote the technical project and defended it successfully before IAEA. It is a great boost to win the funding. The Ksh100 million funding is a six-year project and we have already received equipment worth Ksh50 million to boost livestock production through breeding, genetic improvement and nutrition,” said the VC.
He said the initiative also involves staff capacity building, noting some have already gone for training in best international animal production research institutions.
Regretting that most locals use a lot of resources to feed livestock but end up losing money due to poor feeding, he promised that they will also conduct community breeding to promote artificial insemination and embryo transfer, among others, which will enhance livestock productivity.
He hailed the government for subscribing to AIEA, which enables researchers access such funding and vowed to continue with research despite his commitment to administrative duties.
By John Majau
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