Egerton University NewsLink Magazine & Journals
Egerton University NewsLink Magazine & Journals
Egerton University, Kenya in partnership with Nanjing Agricultural University, China and International Fund For Agricultural Development (IFAD) are implementing a project titled ‘Empowering Rural Youth through innovative horticultural solutions in Tomato Value Chain, Nakuru Kenya’. The objective of the joint project is to foster a sustainable tomato value chain and improve the livelihoods of rural youth and women through transferring innovative horticultural technologies and promoting market access and business linkages for young farmers in Kenya. The project has been funded to a tune of US Dollars 200,000.
As part of the project activities, an inception Workshop for the project was organized by the Confucius Institute at the Nakuru Agricultural Training Center (Nakuru ATC) on 6th February, 2024. The Kenyan director Prof. Joshua Ogweno, the Chinese director Prof. Liu Yutao, the Agricultural expert Prof. Liu Gaoqiong, Dr Stephen Githeng’u Horticulture expert, Dr Oscar Ingasia Agricultural economist as well as 30 Kenyan agricultural Extension officers, farmer representatives from Nakuru, representatives of industry practitioners from Agitech Seedlings Ltd and Seed Delight Ltd attended the workshop.
Prof. Liu Yutao introduced the background of the project, the tasks to be carried out as well as the objectives to be achieved. He also explained the purpose of the workshop expressing his hope that agriculture officials, private sector and farmers would closely cooperate in implementing the project. This will help in resolving the key challenges hindering the development of the tomato industry in Kenya, further supporting agricultural development and poverty reduction in the country. Prof. Joshua Ogweno gave an overview of the project and outlined the activities to be carried out during the implementation up to September 2024. Professor Liu Gaoqiong gave a lecture on tomato grafting technology and analyzed the feasibility of the project on-site.
Group photo for the participants attending the workshop
Dr. Stephen Githeng’u introduced the identification and management techniques for tomato bacterial wilt disease. Dr Ingasia presented the tomato value chain analysis and role of the various actors in the chain. During the feedback session the participants in attendance engaged in earnest discussions about potential challenges and ways of improving engagements with all the stakeholders in implementing the project.
Egerton University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, has engaged a multidisciplinary team implementing the FoodSafety4Africa initiative, reinforcing the university’s leadership in applying science to address Africa’s food safety challenges.The vice chancellor talked about effects of increased aflatoxin in maize that has affected human health.
It is important to note that of the 6 partners in Africa, Egerton is one of the strong partners. Others include Nigeria, Benin, S. Africa, Egypt and Cameroon. They are here to address food safety in the informal sector
The project is led by Principal Investigator Prof. George Owuor, Director of Research and Extension, alongside Co-Principal Investigator Prof. Paul Kimurto, Director of the Agro-Science Park.
The meeting also brought together key collaborators and stakeholders, including Dueb Banwo, Titilayo Falade of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, and Nancy Njeri from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization.
Their participation reflected the project’s strong regional and international partnerships.The discussions unpacked critical food safety risks across Africa’s informal markets.
These include weak traceability systems, pesticide residues in food and feed, and microbial contamination such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli.
The team emphasized how these hazards intersect with public health, trade, and livelihoods, particularly among smallholder farmers and informal food vendors.
Citing insights from the World Health Organization, the meeting highlighted that unsafe food contributes significantly to disease burden globally, with Africa disproportionately affected.
Prof. Kibwage underscored the need for universities to translate scientific evidence into practical interventions that communities can adopt.
The project, coordinated by IITA, leverages a systems-based model that integrates research, innovation, and policy support.
It promotes solutions such as digital traceability tools, capacity building for food handlers, and co-creation platforms that connect researchers, industry, and policymakers.
Prof. Owuor noted that the initiative is not only about identifying risks but also about designing scalable solutions that enhance food system resilience.
Prof. Kimurto added that the Agro-Science Park provides a dynamic environment for testing and scaling innovations.
This means that Egerton University is committed to advancing interactive, evidence-based approaches that strengthen food safety, protect public health, and support sustainable development across Africa.
By Kurian Musa,Communications Officer.
The Principal Secretary for Trade, Regina Ombam, today hosted Gideon Obare, Director of the Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, during a high-level courtesy call aimed at deepening collaboration on agricultural trade policy.
The meeting focused on resolving structural bottlenecks that continue to constrain Kenya’s agricultural trade.
Key issues included regulatory inefficiencies, limited market access, and persistent non-tariff barriers that raise transaction costs, delay shipments, and erode the competitiveness of exports—especially perishable commodities.
Discussions also explored strategies to strengthen regional integration frameworks and align Kenya’s trade systems with the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Emphasis was placed on enhancing private sector participation and building resilient, inclusive food systems capable of withstanding market and climate shocks.
Over the years, Tegemeo Institute has played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s public policy landscape. Its evidence-based research has informed national debates on agricultural pricing, food security, fertilizer subsidy programmes, and maize market reforms.
The Institute’s analytical work has consistently guided government interventions aimed at stabilizing markets and improving farmer incomes.
At Egerton University, this policy influence is reinforced by strong institutional leadership. Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kibwage has championed research-driven engagement, while the Tegemeo Institute Board, chaired by Benard Aduda, continues to provide strategic oversight.
The collaboration signals a renewed commitment to leveraging research, policy, and partnerships to unlock Kenya’s agricultural trade potential while transforming lives through quality education and innovation.
By Kurian Musa
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- Egerton University, Vice-Chancellor Professor Isaac Kibwage today in his office received a team from the Kenya Medical Practitioners Council who paid him a courtesy call
- Egerton University Hosts Comprehensive Assessment of Medical Programmes
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