Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Ol Pejeta Conservancy, have signed a collaborative agreement that formalizes a strategic partnership to enhance teaching, learning, research, innovation, and global outreach in the fields of conservation, environmental science, and sustainable development.
The signing ceremony, held at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Nanyuki on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, brought together leadership from both institutions, faculty members and conservation experts.
The collaboration aims to bridge academia and on-the-ground conservation efforts, fostering mutual benefits through joint initiatives that address pressing challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable land use.
The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, including: establishment of collaborative initiatives for the mutual benefit of both parties; sharing of research and academic materials; joint resource mobilization and exchange of research and academic staff.
A highlight of the partnership is building on existing successful international exchanges. Through JKUAT’s established collaboration with Vives University of Applied Sciences in Belgium, students from Vives have conducted impactful visits to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
These north-south scientific exchanges have enabled European students and scholars to immerse themselves in real-world conservation scenarios such as wildlife tracking, ecosystem monitoring, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching strategies.
Speaking at the ceremony, JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi emphasized the transformative potential of the alliance.
“This collaborative agreement is a commitment to action. By combining JKUAT’s expertise in agriculture, technology, and innovation with Ol Pejeta’s world-renowned conservation work, we will equip the next generation of leaders with hands-on experience and cutting-edge insights to tackle environmental challenges,” Prof. Ngumi said.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy leadership echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership will strengthen efforts to protect endangered species such as black rhinos and chimpanzees, while integrating academic research into practical conservation management and community empowerment.
The Conservancy’s Chief Programs Officer, Prof. Geoffrey Wahungu said Ol Pejeta had made a deliberate decision to strengthen its research arm, noting that the agreement with JKUAT would significantly boost the realization of the objective.
The Conservancy, he added, had established a research centre where it aims to promote scientific innovation, including through strategic partnerships with local universities and research organizations.
The agreement is expected to yield tangible outcomes, including student attachments where JKUAT learners work alongside Ol Pejeta rangers on projects like rhino monitoring and sustainable habitat management.
Joint research initiatives will leverage JKUAT’s scientific capabilities and Ol Pejeta’s field data to drive innovations in eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, and agro-ecology.
The partnership aligns with Kenya’s national priorities for sustainable development, contributing to goals in environmental protection, education advancement, and international collaboration. It positions both institutions as leaders in eco-innovation and global outreach.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and a model for wildlife conservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism, home to diverse species including the world’s last two northern white rhinos.
