Proud winners!
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology has once again showed her prowess in research, innovation and entrepreneurship at the Central Kenya National Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show in Nyeri after clinching top place in six of the eight classes it entered, among them, the Best Innovation and Invention Stand award.
The other classes were; The Best University Stand, The Stand that Best Interprets the Theme, The Most Striking Display in Demonstration of Locally Manufactured Products, The Best Agro-Processing Stand and The Best Stand Exhibiting Agricultural and Earth-moving Equipment. The University also emerged 2nd in the best stand in research and development. This is an improvement from last year’s performance when the University scooped five top awards.
In keeping with the theme of the show, Promoting innovation and technology in agriculture and trade, JKUAT researchers and exhibitors showcased several innovations geared towards agriculture and entrepreneurship. The innovations ranged from those in food security, agricultural mechanization, and agribusiness as well as value chain.
Apart from academic programmes offered at the University, visitors who thronged the stand interacted with various mechanized and agricultural products such as the Indigenous African Vegetables, Cricket Flour and Cookies, Pepino value added products, Termites and Cowpeas noodles, Sweet Granadilla juices, Jam and Wine.
In agricultural mechanization, the University showcased the Multi grater, Multi-juicer, Macadamia dehusker, Sorghum thresher, Zero energy cooler, low cost portable greenhouse, Shujaa Tractor and Multi-operation machine for small-scale Juakali workshops, to name but a few.
JKUAT Insect Farm (JIF) team had the busiest stand as they quelled the curiosity of the visitors on matters cricket. The visitors had the chance to sample cricket porridge, cookies and termite noodles. JIF has trained over 2000 farmers on cricket farming for value addition in a bid to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition in the country.
Visitors have a test of the cricket porridge
The University team is adamant they will continue with the same spirit as they prepare to battle with other exhibitors at the forthcoming Nairobi International Trade Fair that kicks off next month, October 1st to 8th.
In her congratulations message to the team, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Victoria Ngumi lauded them for working tirelessly and giving their all, efforts that she said, had continued to make the University stand out as amongst the best in the region. Similar sentiments were echoed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research, Production and Extension (RPE), Prof. Mary Abukutsa.