Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology has been certified on prudential management of grant resources. The certificate for Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) under the recognized GFGP standards, was awarded to JKUAT on Thursday March 20, 2025 following a rigorous certification evaluation by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC).
Receiving the award, Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi noted that the recognition reflects JKUAT’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficient management of resources, across all operations. She lauded the efforts by faculty and the Grants Management Directorate for ensuring that donor funds are put to productive and intended uses.
Developed by the Africa Academy of Sciences, GFNP is the world’s first international standard for governance and management of donor funds. The standard helps institutions to effectively document operational procedures and policies, making it possible to self-audit and undertake corrective measures where gaps are identified.
APHRC Executive Director Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi who delivered the certificate to JKUAT, noted that the award demonstrates that JKUAT has institutionalised great systems that makes great science possible.
“This is a precursor and enabler for JKUAT to attract both domestic and international funding by showcasing excellence and accountability in grants management,” Dr. Kyobutungi said.
The certification now puts JKUAT in the league of just a handful of universities in Africa that have attained the gold level confidence in managing and utilizing donor funds. It opens new ground for the university to attract additional funding – a move that is also aligned with government’s push for state universities to diversify sources of funds in order to thrive as engines of innovation and enterprise development.
JKUAT currently runs research and innovation activities across seventeen thematic areas that include engineering, technology, agriculture, health, social sciences, and law.
The award was presented during the opening ceremony of JKUAT’s 19th Scientific, Technological and Industrialization Conference. The event brought together researchers, innovators, policy makers, financial institutions and other players in the innovation ecosystem from Kenya and beyond.