Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has entered a strategic five-year partnership with Konya Food and Agriculture University (KFAU) of Turkey, aimed at harnessing their combined expertise in agricultural research, innovation, and Knowledge exchange.
The collaborative agreement seeks to promote academic excellence while jointly tackling global challenges such as food security, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable development.
Through this partnership, the two institutions plan to undertake joint research projects, facilitate academic and student mobility, co-develop training programs, and explore technology transfer initiatives geared towards enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience.
Speaking during the official signing ceremony on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, JKUAT Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Robert Kinyua, described the partnership as a major milestone in the university’s mission to grow its global academic and research footprint.
“This collaboration opens doors for mutual learning, innovation, and impactful research that responds to the evolving challenges of agriculture and food systems across the globe,” said Prof. Kinyua, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi.
The DVC further noted that the partnership would enable both institutions to tap into each other’s strengths particularly in sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, agribusiness, and climate adaptation while enriching academic experiences for students and faculty alike.
Prof. Kinyua expressed optimism that the collaboration would foster joint supervision of postgraduate students, international research publications, and broader academic exchange that contributes to the global body of knowledge on food systems resilience.
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kılıç, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at KFAU, welcomed the agreement, calling it a critical step in advancing cross-cultural academic collaboration and innovative solutions to global agricultural issues.
With KFAU’s expertise in areas such as seed technology, plant disease management, and sustainable farming, Prof. Kılıç emphasized the immense potential for capacity building and joint research that could benefit both institutions and their wider communities.
“Agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change, and collaborative efforts like this are essential for developing resilient, innovative solutions that ensure food security and sustainable practices,” said Prof. Kılıç.
Established in 2013, KFAU is a specialized institution dedicated to advancing knowledge in food and agricultural sciences. The university champions an interdisciplinary and application-oriented approach to education and research, integrating life sciences, food systems, and agricultural innovation to address real-world challenges and foster sustainable development.
