JKUAT Celebrates Prof. Koaze’s Seven Years of Transformative Service – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi(left), presents Prof. Koaze with an album showcasing memorable moments from his service at the University.*

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) on Thursday November 27, held heartfelt send-off ceremony to honor the outgoing Chief Advisor of the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project, Prof. Hiroshi Koaze, marking the end of a distinguished seven-year tenure that profoundly shaped the university’s academic and research landscape.

The ceremony, attended by university leadership, staff, project beneficiaries, JICA and Japanese Embassy in Kenya officials was a testament to Prof. Koaze’s legacy in fostering international cooperation, driving innovation, and building institutional capacity.

His impact has been most prominent through the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project, a flagship initiative supported by the Government of Japan through JICA and implemented since 2014.

*Prof. Koaze (right) shares a light moment with HORI Tumanobu, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan, during the farewell luncheon.*

As Chief Advisor, he played a central role in strengthening JKUAT’s research, science, technology, and innovation capacity from expanding state-of-the-art laboratories and innovation spaces to nurturing postgraduate training at PAUSTI and championing multidisciplinary collaboration.

Under his guidance, the project unlocked new pathways for research, global partnerships, and knowledge transfer, positioning JKUAT as a continental hub for advanced scientific inquiry.

*A section of JKUAT staff who attended the farewell luncheon.*

Speaking during the luncheon, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi lauded his profound impact, noting that his visionary leadership has strengthened academic and research programs while inspiring generations of staff and students to pursue excellence.

Prof. Ngumi further commended Prof. Koaze’s unparalleled success in capacity building, noting the unprecedented number of staff who attained higher degrees at top universities in Japan, and his role in enhancing JKUAT’s internationalization by creating a vibrant global academic network.

*Prof. Koaze addresses the gathering during the farewell luncheon.*

The Vice Chancellor also paid special tribute to the Government and People of Japan, whose partnership over the last decade has been “transformative.” She credited Japanese collaboration for embedding a culture of excellence (Kaizen) and providing state-of-the-art infrastructure that has created a world-class research ecosystem at JKUAT.

“We have received crucial equipment in engineering and agriculture that has enhanced our research capabilities and training programs. These resources have empowered our students and faculty to engage in cutting-edge innovation,” the Vice Chancellor noted.

Mr. Joel Yego presents Prof. Koaze with a portrait in honor of his exemplary service.

Prof. Ngumi added that the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project has moved from theoretical research to practical, solution-driven innovation in sustainable agriculture, food security, material science, ICT, and engineering, leading to patents, prototypes, and high-impact publications.

Chair of Council, Dr. Micah Onsando, also lauded Prof. Koaze for strengthening JKUAT’s human resource capacity through graduate training, upskilling technical staff, and facilitating mentorship with Japanese experts.

*Prof. Koaze with University Management after the farewell luncheon.*

“You have given the Council confidence that strategic partnerships can indeed deliver on their promises. You leave behind an institution that is stronger, better equipped, and more confident, Dr. Onsando who was represented by Mr. Joel Yego said.

While lauding Prof. Koaze’s exemplary leadership, HORI Tumanobu, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan, noted that there are many areas of common interest and learning between Kenya and Japan. He added that partnership was a key message in the last TICAD meeting in Japan and he called for stronger scientific exchange and collaboration among Kenyan and Japanese scholars.

*The AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project sub-taskforce members presents Prof. Koaze with a traditional African bag, symbolizing appreciation and cultural heritage.*

Mr. Darius Ogutu, Director of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, underscored the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project’s pivotal role in deepening Kenya–Japan collaboration, especially in research, innovation, and human-capacity development.

In his remarks, Prof. Koaze expressed deep gratitude to JKUAT, the project team, and the Japanese partners. He reflected on the journey of building a project focused on sustainable impact and thanked everyone for the collaboration and support that turned vision into reality.

“The true legacy of this project is in the people it has empowered and the solutions it continues to develop for society,” he said.

As his chapter at JKUAT closes, Prof. Koaze leaves behind a legacy defined not only by infrastructure and innovation, but by the people he empowered. His work will continue to shape the University’s future, reminding the community that transformative progress is built through partnership, vision, and unwavering dedication.