IBR Director’s Message
The IBR Strategic Plan- 2023-2027 (IBRSP) is positioning JKUAT to capitalize on what many predict will be the biotechnology age. The plan was launched in 2004 and concentrated primarily on strengthening JKUAT’s research and development base with investment in infrastructure and capacity building. Considerable progress has been made. Many of the targets set in the 2004 plan have already been achieved. The Institute’s profile has risen strongly and the number of products and research has grown. IBR has provided substantial investment in new improved products to support biotechnology developments. It has strengthened science and technology base and invested considerable resources and effort in creating new alliances and strengthening existing ones within the university, research organizations such as Kenya medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research (KARLO), National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and authorities National Biosafety authority (NBA), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) – Kenya and internationally – Arba Minch University (AMU), Alabaster International (AI), Girl Child International (GCN), Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) and Hasselt University.
It has showcased JKUAT’s potential to the outside industry and promoted informed community discussion about the issues surrounding biotechnology.
There also have been dramatic changes and breakthroughs within IBR. New issues, challenges and opportunities have emerged. For example: there have been major technical developments, including the development of:
- a) Tissue culture of banana, Aloe spp, Jatropha,rose, dragon fruit, and passion fruit plantlets that are free of diseases and have high yields.
b) Organic farming practices,which include the development of biopesticides, biofertilizers, and vermiculture compost, and its benefits
c) Oyster, ganoderma and button mushroom production. These have all improved on the business models of many farmers/institutions.
d) Bioprospecting and characterization of microbes with industrial potential. - Genome editing of cassava towards increased shelf life and reduced cyanogen levels.
- Establishment of a bioinformatics facility for training and research.
The institute, through the university management, has a responsibility to communicate information about its programs and initiatives while protecting the confidentiality of its business prospects. The economic prosperity of our state is a direct result of the education level of our workforce. Kenya must make a stronger connection between education and economic development. To this end, IBR has produced Ph.D. and M.Sc. graduands some of whom have been employed by universities, research institutions and authority-making bodies.
Finally, technology is shrinking the globe, and Kenya is poised to be a major player in the rapidly evolving new economy. JKUAT strives to create high-tech and knowledge-based opportunities in science, technology, engineering and business enterprise. Recent efforts by the university to attract these types of high-quality training have already achieved success.
Dr. Cecilia Mbithe Mweu
Director -IBR