Egerton University is gearing up to host the Regional Research Centre (RRC) of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), a first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa. During a recent visit by senior ICGEB New Delhi members that included Dr Ramesh Sonti, the Director, and Dr Jitendra Thakur, the stage was set for an important collaboration.
The visit primarily focused on inspecting the location of the future RRC, situated at the Physical Science Complex on Egerton University's Main Campus in Njoro. This cutting-edge facility will encompass four high-tech laboratories along with office spaces, providing the ideal environment for groundbreaking research in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Present during the meeting with the ICGEB New Delhi team were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics, Research and Extension) Prof. Bernard Aduda, acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration, Planning and Development) Prof. Richard Mulwa and Prof. Josiah Omolo, the ICGEB Egerton University lead.
Egerton University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, warmly received the ICGEB New Delhi team and attentively considered their proposals regarding necessary equipment and infrastructure. Winning the bid to host the RRC in 2022 marked a momentous achievement for the university.
The impending establishment of the ICGEB RRC at Egerton University is not just a significant milestone for the institution; it represents a ray of hope for aspiring scientists across sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration promises to be a gateway to groundbreaking research, offering new avenues and opportunities in the fields of genetic engineering and biotechnology.
Agnes Mwangi
Photo caption
Dr Ramesh Sonti, Director of ICGEB New Delhi, and Jitendra Thakar, along with the Egerton University team led by Prof. Josiah Omolo, thoroughly inspect the facilities at the Physical Science Complex, Njoro, where the ICGEB Regional Research Centre is set to be established, marking a significant stride in genetic engineering and biotechnology research in sub-Saharan Africa.
