Emgwen Legislator, Hon. Josses Kosgey Lelmengit, and his counterpart from Marakwet West, Hon. Timothy Kipchumba Toroitich visited JKUAT with the aim of exploring collaborative ventures on technology transfer.

Aligned with the national government’s development agenda, the duo articulated their intention to partner with JKUAT, in order to promote value addition of agricultural products within their respective constituencies.

“Marakwet West produces a lot of potatoes and in a bid to reduce post-harvest losses and provide the farmers with economic empowerment, we would like to engage JKUAT to help the constituency in value addition of potatoes,” said Hon Toroitich.

The two lawmakers were speaking Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology where they were hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi.

Acknowledging that their goals go beyond value addition, the legislators underscored their aspirations to also facilitate the University’s involvement in technical training for farmers, on sustainable food production.

Hon. Lelmengit, himself an alumnus of JKUAT in Construction Management, expressed his conviction in the transformative potential of this collaboration:

“Our shared aspiration goes beyond immediate gains, as we envision a future where farmers are armed with technical skills. This partnership with the University represents a path where knowledge and practice converge, fostering a resilient agricultural landscape for generations to come,” said Hon. Lelmengit.

While assuring the two Members of Parliament of JKUAT’s capacity in providing solutions for challenges facing the country, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi said JKUAT has been at the forefront in fostering a culture of research and innovation that have been beneficial to the society.

“JKUAT is proactive in the country’s development mainly through various research initiatives. JKUAT is for example home to the Legume Centre of Excellence for Food Nutrition Security, Cassava Virology Lab, EU-funded Food Fortification Lab, and Innovation Prototyping Centre among others that have earned the University a much-needed prestige not only in Kenya but in sub-Saharan Africa,” attested Prof. Ngumi.

Prof. Ngumi further reinforced JKUAT’s commitment to technology transfer and community partnerships that yield tangible benefits for society.

Hon. Lelmengit and Hon. Toroitich, serving as members of Parliamentary Committees of Broadcasting and Library Services; and Education, and Research respectively, pledged their support for JKUAT’s endeavor in constructing a state-of-the-art library.

The confluence of minds and commitments signifies a promising collaboration poised to make meaningful strides in agricultural advancement and education.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Vice Chancellors, Administration and Finance, Prof. Bernard Ikua, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellors, Prof. Jackson Kwanza, and Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellors, Academic Affairs, Prof. Gorge Thiong’o, Ag. Registrar Academic Affair, Dr. Aggrey Wanyama, University Librarian, Dr. Roselyne Mang’ira, and Deputy Librarian, Mr. Jamleck Ngugi among others.