Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has formalized a three-year partnership with the CALP Network through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening humanitarian education and professional capacity in Africa.
Speaking during the signing ceremony on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the Director of the JKUAT Nairobi CBD Campus, Prof. Peter Njenga, described the agreement as a significant milestone that reflects the University’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and strategic international collaboration.
“This partnership demonstrates our resolve to prepare graduates and professionals who can respond effectively to emerging humanitarian challenges. By working with the CALP Network, we are strengthening our capacity to deliver globally relevant knowledge and practical skills that will benefit communities across Kenya and beyond,” said Prof. Njenga.
The agreement formalizes a collaboration that has, over the past three years, strengthened the delivery of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) training at JKUAT. Through the partnership, the University has equipped humanitarian practitioners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to design and implement quality, accountable and inclusive cash and voucher programmes.
Recognized globally as one of the most effective humanitarian response approaches, Cash and Voucher Assistance enables people affected by crises to meet their essential needs through local markets while preserving dignity, supporting livelihoods and supporting economic recovery. The partnership is expected to further strengthen the capacity of humanitarian professionals to deliver effective, people-centred responses across Kenya and the wider region.
Through the partnership, academic staff have successfully completed a series of internationally recognized training programmes, including the Fundamentals of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA), Core CVA Skills, Market Assessment Tools Training (MATT), and Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes. These initiatives have enhanced lecturers’ expertise, enabling them to integrate global humanitarian best practices into teaching, research, and community engagement.
During the ceremony, Ms. Rachael Mwaura the CALP Network regional representative for East and Southern Africa, applauded JKUAT for its commitment to advancing humanitarian education and building a skilled workforce capable of responding to complex emergencies through evidence-based and people-centered approaches.
“Over the past three years, we have witnessed remarkable commitment from JKUAT in embracing Cash and Voucher Assistance as an essential component of humanitarian programming. This Memorandum of Understanding provides a strong foundation for expanding collaboration in training, research, curriculum development, and knowledge sharing,” said a CALP Network representative.
The newly signed MoU will further deepen collaboration in curriculum development, professional certification, research, capacity building, and the exchange of technical expertise. It also opens opportunities for joint projects aimed at advancing humanitarian innovation and strengthening resilience among vulnerable communities. This aligns with JKUAT’s strategic vision of building global collaborations that enhance academic quality, research excellence, and community impact while contributing to national and international development priorities.
As humanitarian crises continue to evolve due to climate change, conflicts, and economic shocks, the collaboration between JKUAT and CALP Network is expected to play a pivotal role in producing highly skilled professionals capable of delivering innovative, effective, and people-centered humanitarian solutions.
This strategic alliance has positioned JKUAT as a regional hub for excellence in humanitarian capacity development, while empowering crisis-affected communities to meet their needs with dignity, choice, and autonomy.
