After a three-year wait, the construction of the first phase of a Sh40 million Regional Centre of Excellence in Eastern Africa has officially begun at Egerton University.
This marks a major milestone in efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture across the region.
The project, located at the university’s Njoro Main Campus botanical garden, is a joint initiative between the institution and Kilimo Trust, with financial backing from the IKEA Foundation.
The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kibwage and Kilimo Trust Chairman Bruce Scott, who both underscored the project’s regional significance.
Professor Kibwage confirmed that the Centre has undergone all statutory and institutional approvals, noting that the partnership aligns with national and continental goals on sustainable food systems.
“This partnership reinforces the university’s role in research-driven agricultural development,” he said.
He added that the Centre will play a transformative role by advancing regenerative agriculture through research, innovation and knowledge sharing.
“The facility will catalyse transformation in agriculture by researching, developing and sharing knowledge on regenerative agricultural practices, building capacity in the agricultural sector and empowering communities to adopt sustainable and resilient practices,” said Kibwage.
The Vice-Chancellor revealed that the Centre will feature a state-of-the-art reference laboratory focusing on soil health and sustainable land management.
“The plant tissue lab will offer analysis for plant health, nutrient concentration levels and impact. This will necessitate the provision of knowledge and guidance on good agronomic practices for farmers and extension agents,” he explained.
The facility will also incubate ideas in circular economy, sustainable agribusiness and clean energy innovations derived from agricultural by-products.
The Centre will be hosted at the university’s Agro-Science Park and is expected to serve as a regional hub for countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and South Sudan.
Dr Scott emphasised the importance of knowledge transfer, financing and policy support in advancing regenerative agriculture across the region.
“Forging stronger partnerships is key to unlocking the potential of regenerative agriculture for smallholders. Producing more while restoring more is at the heart of regenerative agriculture, but it requires a concerted effort to support farmers already impacted by climate change,” he said.
He noted that smallholder farmers produce about a third of the global food supply, and up to 80 per cent in some African countries, yet face persistent challenges including poverty, hunger and climate shocks.
“The acceptance and understanding of regenerative agriculture by smallholder farmers is crucial to Kilimo Trust’s mission of achieving Health for All, Hunger for None,” he added.
Kilimo Trust Chief Executive Officer Birungi Karutaro said the initiative aligns with Kenya’s development priorities and broader regional goals on food security.
“This centre will drive innovation and sustainable agricultural practices essential to overcoming challenges like climate change, soil degradation and food insecurity,” she stated.
Dr Karutaro highlighted the importance of transitioning to a technology-driven agricultural ecosystem.
“If Kenya is to secure its agricultural future and achieve food security, climate-smart solutions must be adopted to help farmers adapt to these adverse conditions,” she said.
Kilimo Trust Kenya Country Team Leader Anthony Mugambi noted that the Centre will provide a platform for research on carbon credits, the bio-economy, and private-sector innovation.
“It will be accessible to researchers, students and farming communities across the region,” he said.
Director of the Agro-Science Park, Paul Kimurto, said the Centre will focus on demonstration farms, farmer training programmes and agribusiness incubation.
“Planned activities include demonstration farms, farmer and extension training programmes, agribusiness incubation and applied research collaborations,” he said.
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The research programme will be led by Professor Kimurto alongside James Ondiek, with postgraduate students contributing to field research and data generation.
Chairperson of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, John Kanyuithia Mutunga, welcomed the project, saying it would accelerate the commercialisation of agricultural technologies.
“As Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, I support this initiative, which seeks to establish a renewable energy-driven, resilient food system that promotes sustainable farming practices, increases farmers’ incomes, and enhances livelihoods,” he said.
Dr Mutunga noted that agriculture contributes about 20 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the urgency of adopting climate-sensitive farming methods.
He added that scaling up renewable energy use in agriculture would require coordinated action among governments, private-sector players, academia, and development partners.
With Kenya’s population projected to reach 96 million by 2050, leaders at the event emphasised that initiatives such as the Centre of Excellence will be critical to ensuring sustainable food production, strengthening farmers’ resilience, and supporting value chains across East Africa.
By Kimutai Langat
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