Njoro, Kenya – The establishment of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Regional Research Centre (ICGEB RRC) at Egerton University is making notable progress, following the University Council's approval to integrate one wing of the stalled Agronomy Building into the project.
The contractor on-site has ramped up efforts to ensure timely completion of the state-of-the-art research facility, which will serve as a hub for genetic engineering and biotechnology research and innovation in sub-Saharan Africa. The move to utilize the existing structure aligns with Egerton University’s strategic approach to optimizing resources while advancing academic and research excellence.
Under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage, the university has been making steady strides in overcoming financial constraints by leveraging partnerships with government agencies and research institutions. This initiative underscores Egerton’s commitment to growth, even in the face of budgetary limitations.
The journey toward establishing the ICGEB RRC began in February 2021, when Egerton University submitted a bid to host the prestigious Centre. A dedicated technical team, led by Prof. Josiah Omolo, crafted a comprehensive proposal, which was later submitted to the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) in March 2021.
In December 2020, the ICGEB Board had already resolved that Kenya would host the RRC, and NACOSTI was tasked with identifying the most suitable institution. After rigorous evaluation of applications from seven Kenyan universities, Egerton University was selected to host the Centre. An international review panel conducted an on-site inspection in February 2022, affirming Egerton’s suitability. The final endorsement came in May 2022, when the ICGEB Board of Governors officially approved Kenya’s proposal for the Centre’s establishment at Egerton.
The ICGEB RRC is expected to drive cutting-edge research in fields such as food safety, molecular plant breeding, molecular plant pathology, entomology, genetic biofortification, development of molecular diagnostic tools, and bioprospecting for biopesticides and bioactive compounds.
The integration of part of the Agronomy Building into the new facility is a strategic move that will accelerate the project's completion while maximizing available infrastructure. The contractor, in collaboration with Egerton University’s estates department, is ensuring that construction adheres to the highest standards to support world-class research activities.
With construction now well underway, the university community and its partners are optimistic that the ICGEB RRC will soon be a beacon of scientific innovation, enhancing Kenya’s role in global biotechnology research.
