A new push to strengthen Africa’s capacity to research, protect and sustainably utilize its rich biodiversity brought together scientists, policymakers, conservationists and agricultural experts from China and across Africa at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
The gathering at the Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre (SAJOREC) brought together Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Guo Haiyan, Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Dr. Erastus Kanga, SAJOREC Director Wang Qingfeng, and other leaders and experts to advance discussions on the proposed Alliance for Biodiversity Science in Africa (ABSA) and explore stronger collaboration in research, talent development and knowledge sharing.
Held under the theme “Preserving Green Ecology; Brewing a New Purple Chapter,” the event also featured the 1st Kenya Grape Industry Exchange Conference, providing a platform for stakeholders to examine how research, innovation, international cooperation, and sustainable agriculture can contribute to Kenya’s economic transformation while safeguarding its rich natural heritage.
The discussions emphasized strengthening China-Kenya cooperation in biodiversity conservation and agricultural development, while exploring the potential of Kenya’s emerging grape industry to drive sustainable growth, create opportunities for farmers, and strengthen agricultural value chains.
Addressing the gathering on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Chief Guest, Ambassador Guo Haiyan, underscored the importance of strengthening Kenya-China cooperation in areas that can generate shared development benefits, particularly agriculture, technology, education, research, and environmental sustainability.
She further highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing and people-to-people exchanges between Kenya and China, noting that such cooperation could provide opportunities for Kenyan farmers and institutions to learn from China’s experiences while creating avenues for Kenyan products to access international markets.
“There is tremendous potential for deeper China-Kenya cooperation in agricultural science and technology and in biodiversity conservation,” said Amb. Guo. “We stand ready to work with all of you to help Kenya accelerate agricultural modernization and advance biodiversity conservation, so that the benefits of scientific and technological innovation may reach more Kenyan farmers, and Kenya’s rich biodiversity may continue to bring lasting benefits to its people,” she added.
Speaking while welcoming the guests to JKUAT, Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi highlighted the critical role of universities in addressing real-world challenges, noting that higher education should not remain confined to lecture rooms and laboratories but should actively contribute to solving challenges in agriculture, environmental conservation, industry, and community development.
Prof. Ngumi noted that the convergence of the biodiversity and grape industry discussions demonstrated the importance of this approach, as sustainable agriculture depends on healthy ecosystems, while conservation can generate economic opportunities when natural resources are responsibly utilized.
“At JKUAT, we believe universities have a responsibility to ensure research addresses real-world challenges, supports industry growth, creates opportunities for young people, and contributes to economic development. This conference provides a platform where science meets practice and innovation translates into impact,” said Prof. Ngumi in a speech read by College of Pure and Applied Sciences (COPAS) Principal Prof. George Thiong’o.
Prof. Erustus Kanga, Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), emphasized that conservation cannot be left to government agencies alone, but requires the active participation of communities, researchers, universities, businesses, and other stakeholders. He noted that technology, research, data, and innovation are increasingly critical to addressing emerging conservation challenges and promoting sustainable management of wildlife and ecosystems.
“The conference brings science into conversation with agricultural innovation, creating space for Kenyan and Chinese institutions, researchers, government, communities, and industry to turn knowledge into practical results,” said Prof. Kanga.
He added that KWS’s strategic approach emphasizes thriving wildlife and ecosystems, community and stakeholder participation, equitable access to benefits, ecosystem resilience, and the development of a sustainable wildlife economy.
Highlighting the importance of research and documentation in conserving Kenya’s natural heritage, Prof. Mary Gikungu, Director General of the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), said scientific knowledge is critical to understanding species, ecosystems, and environmental changes and guiding sustainable resource management.
“As a conservation biologist and biodiversity specialist, it is very important to have scientific knowledge in understanding and documenting our biological resources in order to protect them,” said Prof. Gikungu, calling for stronger collaboration among African institutions to address growing threats to biodiversity.
The biodiversity discussions also highlighted the importance of scientific knowledge in developing sustainable agricultural value chains, including Kenya’s emerging grape industry. Understanding ecosystems, soils, water resources, and biological diversity is critical to ensuring agricultural growth does not compromise environmental sustainability.
For Kenya, the initiative presents an opportunity to position biodiversity not only as a conservation responsibility, but also as a scientific, economic, and developmental asset to be understood, protected, and sustainably utilized for present and future generations.
