Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has celebrated the remarkable contributions of its University Council, appointed in March 2023, under the leadership of Dr. James Micah Onsando. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, delivered a heartfelt appreciation speech highlighting the Council’s pivotal role in advancing the university’s strategic goals across multiple fronts.
In her address, Prof. Ngumi commended the Council for delivering tangible impacts in staff training and capacity development, infrastructure expansion, strengthened international collaborations, and enhanced research output coupled with commercialization efforts.
“Under your stewardship, JKUAT has witnessed a significant enhancement in faculty and staff competencies through targeted training programmes,” said Prof. Ngumi. “These investments have directly translated into improved teaching quality, better service delivery, and a more dynamic academic environment.”
On infrastructure, the Vice Chancellor noted major progress, including the recent groundbreaking of a modern student hostel with a capacity of 1,680 beds under the Government’s Affordable Housing Programme. Additional developments encompass completion of the Engineering Block; upgraded laboratories, lecture theatres, and digital infrastructure that support the university’s growing student population while maintaining high standards.
The Council’s focus on internationalization has yielded expanded global partnerships, facilitating staff and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and access to advanced resources. JKUAT has also strengthened its position through collaborations such as the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project and new linkages in software testing and quality assurance.
The Council has also strongly championed commercialization, with notable emphasis on moving innovations from the laboratory to the market. This includes support for value-added products and various technologies aimed at driving wealth creation and community impact.
Dr. James Micah Onsando, Chairman of the University Council, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment.
“It has been an honor to serve JKUAT during this transformative period. Our focus remains on strategic direction that leverages the university’s strengths in research and innovation to address national and continental challenges.”
Dr. Onsando noted that the Council was particularly keen on commercializing JKUAT’s technologies to create sustainable impact and wealth for our communities.
“Together with management, we will continue building a world-class institution that drives Kenya’s development agenda through training, research, and entrepreneurship,” he added.
On what makes the JKUAT Council effective, Dr. Onsando said the board of directors(bod) is composed of highly qualified professional with established footprints in various knowledge areas. This has made it possible for the Council harness progressive ideas and initiatives to support JKUAT’s transformation.
The appreciation was delivered during a training on artificial intelligence event brought together members of the Council, the Senate, and Management Board. The Council’s guidance has been instrumental in the development of the university’s fifth-generation strategic plan (2023-2027) and in fostering a stable, progressive governance environment. JKUAT remains committed to building on these gains to solidify its position as a global center of excellence in training, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
