Advancing practical, climate-smart agricultural solutions across Kenya is the goal of a new partnership between the Department of Horticulture and Food Security (HFS) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and AgriAdapt. Under the partnership, JKUAT will serve as the designated training hub and facilitate applied research trials through demonstration plots, training sessions, farmer exchange programmes, and an annual agricultural expo.
The initiative will provide evidence-based solutions aligned with AgriAdapt’s four thematic pillars namely: sustainable and safe use of agrochemicals, climate-smart agriculture, soil health, and post-harvest technologies. The programme is expected to benefit smallholder farmers, agri-investors, youth, students, and other key stakeholders within the agricultural value chain.
Speaking during the inaugural meeting held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Robert Kinyua, welcomed the initiative, noting that it was particularly encouraging to see young people spearheading efforts to transform agriculture.
He observed that agriculture remains a major contributor to Kenya’s economy and emphasized the need to attract more young people to the sector. He noted that the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (COANRE) has been witnessing increased enrolment in agriculture-related programmes, an encouraging trend for the future of the industry.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, and climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality for every farmer. Universities cannot therefore watch from the sidelines. We must step into the arena where innovation meets the soil,” said Prof. Kinyua.
COANRE Principal Prof. Daniel Sila noted that the partnership would greatly benefit from the College’s strong academic and research capacity, including its large pool of professors and senior lecturers. He added that the HFS Department is equipped with specialized laboratories focusing on pesticides, soil science, entomology, and related fields, positioning it well to support the initiative.
Prof. Sila highlighted the department’s commitment to excellence by citing the achievement of HFS student Amos Muigai, who won the 2024 Bayer East Africa Safe Use Ambassador (SUA) Award. He further noted that students are exposed to holistic practical training through collaborations with organizations such as ICIPE and Real IPM.
The initiative was also welcomed by the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Production and Extension, Prof. Hiram Ndiritu who noted that JKUAT continually seeks partnerships that strengthen research, training, and innovation while fostering linkages between academia and industry. Such collaborations, he added, enhance the generation and dissemination of research outputs through publications, conferences, and technology transfer.
Ms. Wairimu Muchai, Team Lead of AgriAdapt and Head of Business Development at Aqua Hub Kenya, one of the founding partners of AgriAdapt, said the partnership will provide valuable internship opportunities for JKUAT students pursuing agriculture-related programmes. She added that the collaboration will also facilitate connections with development agencies, entrepreneurs, investors, and other industry players.
She further noted that students will have an opportunity to participate in the AgriAdapt Annual Expo, which was first held in Murang’a County in 2025. Through the expo, students will showcase their innovations, compete with peers from other universities, and receive mentorship that extends beyond the competition.
Mr. James Ngoiri, Director of Agro Pests Solutions Limited Kenya, the other founding partner of AgriAdapt, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it would provide a platform for engaging students and empowering them to contribute innovative solutions aimed at improving agricultural productivity.
The Horticulture and Food Security Department, headed by Dr. Catherine Ngamau, is currently implementing the AgriCBE project aimed at preparing faculty and students for the transition to Competency-Based Education (CBE) in 2029.
The AgriAdapt partnership is expected to contribute significantly to the project’s objective of strengthening industry collaboration and enhancing experiential learning opportunities for students.