Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has strengthened its partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to focus on building industry and research linkages. The partnership positions the university at the forefront as it builds the capacity required ahead of admitting the first cohort of Competency-Based Education (CBE) learners in 2029, a transition that demands a strong foundation in research and industry linkages.
The collaboration aims to align academic training, applied research, and innovation with industry needs under the new skills-based education framework.
The new initiative places strong emphasis on practical learning, employer collaboration, and the development of job-ready graduates in line with CBE requirements.
This strategic direction was outlined during a courtesy call by JICA Senior Advisor Dr. Takasei Okano to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi on April 24, 2026.
Dr. Okano revealed that the new JKUAT–JICA partnership model introduces structured mechanisms to enhance engagement with the private sector, including collaboration with Japanese companies, African industries, and international research institutions.
“The initiative envisions a wider network connecting African and Japanese universities and industry players to develop solutions to key socio-economic challenges, including climate change, food security, and energy,” said Dr.Okano.
He added that the linkages are expected to support applied research, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and expand opportunities for student training, internships, and entrepreneurship development.
Under the partnership, JKUAT, working with the Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI), is also expected to expand its role as a regional hub for research and collaboration.
To support implementation of the initiative, it was agreed that the project will establish a cross-cutting framework for international and industry collaboration. This will involve strengthening coordination structures, integrating specialized expertise, and improving mechanisms for the commercialization of research outputs.
Governance and implementation reforms are also embedded within the framework, including the establishment of a Japanese Supporting University Committee to provide technical oversight, deployment of specialized experts, and the introduction of a more flexible monitoring and evaluation system to track progress and outcomes.
In addition, Internal units responsible for intellectual property management and university–industry linkages will also be reinforced to improve efficiency.
Prof. Ngumi described the partnership as a timely intervention that aligns with JKUAT’s strategic direction as it prepares for the transition to CBE. She noted that the model places greater responsibility on universities to produce graduates whose competencies are directly shaped by industry needs.
She emphasized that the collaboration strengthens the university’s capacity to reorient teaching, research, and innovation towards practical outcomes, adding that close engagement with industry partners will be central to successful implementation of the new education framework.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua, highlighted the academic transformation opportunities embedded in the partnership, noting that it will reshape curriculum delivery and enhance experiential learning.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension, Prof. Jackson Kwanza, lauded the long standing partnership between JKUAT and JICA, noting that it has enabled the university to achieve significant research milestones. He also highlighted the JICA-funded in-country programme as one of the major success stories of the collaboration.
On his part, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Daniel Sila, said the partnership has strengthened the university’s human resource capacity and infrastructural support, while also contributing to key renovation works across the institution.
