Egerton Students Selected For The Prestigious Arava International Center For Agricultural Training (AICAT) Program In Israel

Egerton University has announced that about 40 of its students have been selected for the prestigious Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT) program in Israel. This achievement comes after a rigorous and competitive selection process.

The collaboration between Egerton University and AICAT was solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Isaac Kibwage and AICAT Director Mrs. Hanni Arnon. Under this agreement, the chosen students will have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program at the renowned AICAT, where they will engage in agricultural studies for a duration of up to 11 months, equivalent to one agricultural session in the Arava.

The Director Board of Undergraduate Studies (BUGS) Prof. Micah Chemobo Chepchieng share a point with AICAT Director Mrs. Hanni Arnon when the interviews were conducted at the Egerton University Research Centre on May 30, 2023 (Photo: Ian Martin/Egerton University

AICAT, is an esteemed organization known for providing advanced studies and training in various agricultural disciplines to students from around the world, offers a unique opportunity for these Egerton University students to broaden their knowledge and skills in the field of agriculture.

Throughout their stay in Israel, the students will be accommodated within a community and assigned a tutor based on their specific field of study. The program aims to provide a comprehensive learning experience by offering lectures and meetings with internationally renowned experts from diverse agricultural backgrounds. By engaging with these experts, the students will gain valuable insights into modern standards, methods, and technologies implemented in Israel's agricultural practices, all of which align with the syllabus prescribed by Egerton University.

The students, 28 males and 12 female will have the privilege of studying at the AICAT Campus, located in Mercaz Sapir, a region in close proximity to 15 surrounding agricultural communities. These communities boast an array of farms and homesteads, ranging from field crops and plantations to dairy farms, barns, and cowsheds. This immersive environment will allow the students to observe and learn firsthand the intricacies of agricultural operations in Israel.

Participating in the AICAT program will undoubtedly equip these Egerton University students with a broadened perspective on agricultural practices, enabling them to become well-rounded professionals in their chosen fields. The experience gained during their time in Israel will not only enhance their academic pursuits but also contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture in Kenya.

As these students embark on their journey to Israel, Egerton University wishes them success in their studies and encourages them to seize every opportunity for growth and development. The university remains committed to supporting its students in their pursuit of knowledge and looks forward to welcoming them back with newfound expertise to contribute to the agricultural sector in Kenya.

"We are immensely proud of the students from Egerton University who have been selected for the highly esteemed AICAT program in Israel. This accomplishment reflects not only their academic prowess but also their dedication to the field of agriculture. We believe that this opportunity will open new horizons for these students and provide them with invaluable exposure to cutting-edge agricultural practices in Israel.,” said Prof. Micah Chemobo Chepchieng the Director Board of Undergraduate Studies (BUGS) at Egerton University.

The Director of Board of Undergraduate Studies stated his commitment to fostering a culture of academic excellence and experiential learning.

“Collaborations like the one with AICAT are instrumental in enriching our student’s academic journey and preparing them to become future leaders in the agricultural sector. We have every confidence that the selected students will make the most of this opportunity and return with valuable insights that will contribute to the development of the agricultural industry in Kenya,” he opined.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Vice-Chancellor Professor Isaac Kibwage and AICAT Director Mrs. Hanni Arnon for their vision in establishing this partnership. It is through such initiatives that our students can gain exposure to global best practices, making them more competitive and capable of tackling real-world challenges in agriculture.

In his remarks, Professor Paul Kimurto, the Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization observed: “As the students embark on this life-changing experience, we encourage them to immerse themselves fully in the academic and cultural environment in Israel. This opportunity not only represents a chance to gain specialized knowledge but also to build cross-cultural understanding and foster international friendships. We hope that this experience will be transformative and inspire them to become ambassadors of change in their respective communities.”

 Egerton University takes immense pride in the accomplishments of these 35 selected students, recognizing their commitment to academic excellence and passion for the agricultural industry. This achievement serves as a testament to the quality of education provided by Egerton University and showcases the institution's commitment to nurturing future leaders in the field of agriculture.

R-L: Mr. Evance Ochola (25) Bsc Agribusiness Management, Mr. Casmiel Nyaholo (24) Bsc Agribusiness Management, and Mr. Lawrence Ouma (26) Bsc Horticulture when they visited the Egerton University Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization on July 3, 2023. (Photo: Kurian Musa/Egerton University)

Upon their return, the University will be engaging with these students and learning from their experiences abroad. This is to tap and manage the knowledge they bring back for the enhancement of the University our academic programs. The students will have an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop a sustainable and innovative agricultural curriculum.

“To the selected students, we offer our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a successful and fulfilling journey in Israel. May this be a stepping stone towards a bright and impactful future in agriculture, not just for themselves but for the entire nation? As they embrace this opportunity, we are certain that they will make Egerton University proud, " said the outgoing Director of the Board of Undergraduate Studies, Dr Geoffrey Ongóndo who played a key role in the process.

The table below presents the names of all the students selected for the AICAT program: