Egerton University in Kenya is celebrating a significant achievement as it welcomes 20 out of 60 students from across East Africa to its master's programs under the ACEII program; The Center of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness Management (CESAAM).
This accomplishment was made possible through the Inter University Commission of East Africa (IUCEA) and the Africa Centre of Excellence ACE II initiative after an exhaustive selection process.
"The IUCEA has concluded the selection process of candidates for the ACE Scholarship Program 2023," reads part of the statement in the ACE II Website.
The University Council, Vice Chancellor, Prof Isack Kibwage, University Management Board extends its gratitude to Prof. George Owuor, the Centre Leader of CESAAM, and its core team members including Deputy Centre Leader Prof Samwel Mwonga, Prof Joshine Ouma, Prof Kingori, Prof Omwamba, Prof Ondiek for their outstanding leadership that played a pivotal role in attracting the highest number of regional students to Egerton University.
Egerton University emerged as the top choice among 14 Centers of Excellence spanning 9 ACE II countries in various universities which include. SACIDS in Tanzania, TACE in Malawi, AQUAFISH in Malawi, ACALISE in Uganda, CLIMATE SABC in Ethiopia, NSEFOODS in Kenya, ACEWM in Ethiopia, CoE_FAPP in Mozambique, IRPM & BTD in Tanzania, CREATES in Tanzania.
Kenya has taken the lead in this initiative, accounting for over 33% of all applications from the 9 participating countries, predominantly in the Faculty of Agriculture.
The selection reflects Egerton high preference expression internationally and regionally as regional centre for agriculture and agribusiness. The application also reflects the pressing issue of food insecurity and poverty that continues to hinder Africa's development, affecting nearly a third of its population.
A fundamental strategy in tackling this challenge is to enhance capacity and foster innovative research within the agricultural value chains. CESAAM, funded by the World Bank, is specifically designed to address these critical issues.
Situated in a region with countries either grappling with conflict or emerging from it, such as South Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda, and Burundi, the center assumes an even more significant role.
The universities and agro-industries in these nations face notable staffing shortages, particularly in the fields of agriculture and agribusiness. CESAAM aims to contribute to capacity building in these institutions, in addition to bolstering Kenyan institutions.
The anticipated outcome is a pool of well-trained agricultural and agribusiness professionals, along with advancements in agri-industrial development, which will in turn drive agricultural progress.
Egerton University's success in attracting a substantial number of regional students underscores its commitment to addressing critical issues affecting East Africa.
With CESAAM at the helm, the university is poised to make a substantial impact in the field of sustainable agriculture and agribusiness management, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of food insecurity and poverty in the region.
See list here: https://ace2.iucea.org/list-of-students-selected-for-the-ace-scholarship-program-2023/
By Kurian Musa
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
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