JKUAT to Establish Research Data and Outputs Hub - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*Prof. Kinyua (left) and Dr. Obudho display a copy of the agreement shortly after signing at JKUAT*

A research data and outputs hub will be established at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. The initiative which is partnership outcome between the University and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) will see leaners get first-hand experience in real life data and respective outputs thereby improving the quality of learning outcomes.

The two institutions have also committed to elevate their partnership through staff capacity building, student exchanges, as well as joint research activities. This was revealed during the signing of a collaborative agreement on Wednesday August 28, 2024.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, KNBS Director General, Dr. Macdonald George Obudho said both institutions have resolved to amplify their synergy in supporting Kenya’s development aspirations through knowledge generation and application.

He noted that KNBS was home to comprehensive national data points that could be leveraged for research, leading to impactful decision making and even resource allocation.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi said that JKUAT and KNBS share a long history of constructive engagements including in the implementation of national priority projects such as the assembly of smart devices for use in the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census.

“We are happy to see the elevation of this partnership as our institutions chart new pathways of collaboration on statistical data exchange and analysis for research and monitoring,” Prof. Ngumi said in remarks delivered by acting vice chancellor, Prof. Robert Kinyua.

The agreement paves the way for structured engagement between JKUAT and KNBS on an array of areas such as collection, analysis, dissemination and use of statistical data. Others include research on the production and dissemination of statistical information.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Prof. Jackson Kwanza, acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension; and Prof. Daniel Sila, acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance.