Prof. Kibwage leads Groundbreaking Ceremony as Egerton and Kilimo Trust Launch Centre of Excellence in Regenerative Agriculture Nakuru Njoro, March 25, 2026 Professor Isaac Kibwage of Egerton University today officiated the groundbreaking ceremony and signed a significant funding agreement for the construction of the prestigious Centre of Excellence in Regenerative Agriculture.
The event marked a milestone in the collaborative effort between Egerton University and Kilimo Trust, a renowned organization dedicated to transforming smallholder farming through innovative approaches.
The partnership aims to establish a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a hub for research, training, and implementation of sustainable agricultural practices rooted in regenerative principles.
The occasion was hosted at the university’s main campus in Njoro, bringing together key stakeholders from academia, government, development partners, and the private sector.In his keynote address, Professor Kibwage emphasized the importance of shifting towards regenerative agriculture, which not only boosts productivity but also restores soil health, conserves water, and enhances biodiversity. He highlighted how Egerton University has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation and expressed confidence that the new centre would significantly contribute toward building resilient farming communities.
"Today’s groundbreaking signifies more than partnership ," Professor Kibwage remarked. "It is a testament to our collective commitment to fostering sustainable farming methods that protect our environment while ensuring food security for future generations.” The Vice Chancellor said the Centre will be key in commercializing innovations, training ground for students and the farming community around the University. In addition, the Centre will give space for further global linkages, help in resource mobilization and sharing of best agricultural practices to boost food security.
The financial commitment was sealed through a formal funding agreement between Egerton University and Kilimo Trust, which committed resources towards construction, and initial operations of the centre. It was signed under the guidance of University legal team.
Kilimo Trust's Board of Trustees led by their Chair Bruce Scott, Country Director, Anthony Mugambi and CEO Dr Biringi Korutaro underscored the transformative potential of the project. Dr Biringi described the centre as a catalyst for change across the region. She said as the project gets underway, hopes are high that the Centre of Excellence in Regenerative Agriculture will become a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development in Kenya and beyond.
Dr.J.K Matunga member of parliament for Tigania West who is also the Chair of parliamentary committee on Agriculture and Kilimo Trust member Board of Trustee present praised the partnership between Egerton and the trust describing it as futuristic and a big investment for generations to come. He said Egerton University hosting the centre will spearhead regenerative agriculture initiatives to a global level for the benefit of Kenya.
The University was also represented by senior management staff that included Prof. Benard Aduda- DVC Academic Affairs, Prof. George Muthaa- DVC Administration, Finance and Administration, Prof. Mwanaharusi Saidi-Registraar Academics, Prof. George Owuor- Director Research and Extension, Prof. Paul Kimurto- Director Agro Science Park, Prof. Nzula Kitaka- Director Marketing and Resource Mobilization, Dr. John Nduko- Dean Faculty of Agriculture, University Libriarian JaneGrace Kinyanjui and legal team. Also present was a renowned scholar Prof. Ruth oniango. The ceremony concluded with a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony led by Professor Kibwage, the University senior staff and the Trust Board led by their chair Mr. Bruce Scott and tree planting session at Park.
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