The Kenya National Research Festival 2025 has kicked off at Egerton University’s Njoro campus on Monday with a clear message from government leaders, researchers, and county officials: investment in science, technology, and innovation is key to securing Kenya’s agricultural future.
This year’s event, themed “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security,” brings together policymakers, academics, farmers, and development partners for five days of discussions, exhibitions, and knowledge-sharing aimed at transforming the country’s food systems.
Research at the Core of Development
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe emphasised that research is central—not peripheral—to Kenya’s development strategy.
He urged scientists and innovators to direct focus towards arid and semi-arid lands, which hold the greatest agricultural potential, particularly in the face of climate change.
Kagwe called for stronger agroecological centres, expanded research labs, and deeper collaboration between research institutions and higher education, while stressing that farmers and pastoralists must feel the impact of research outcomes.
“Building a knowledge-driven agriculture will greatly rely on sustainable research financing, evidence-based policymaking, and support for innovation ecosystems,” he said.
Youth and Counties in the Spotlight
Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak said over 80 percent of Kenya is arid or semi-arid, making innovation essential to address hunger and livelihoods.
He urged counties to invest in ecological advances and pledged to engage university vice chancellors to strengthen the link between research and agricultural transformation.
He further encouraged adoption of modern technologies, including nuclear science applications for nutrition and electronic beam technology to reduce post-harvest losses.
PS Cabinet Affairs Idris Dokota also appealed to counties to shape progressive agricultural policies through research fairs, exhibitions, and youth-driven innovations.
NRF Showcases Impact
National Research Fund (NRF) CEO Prof. Dickson Andala highlighted the Fund’s contribution since inception, noting that over Ksh 7 billion has been invested by the National Government and bilateral partners. This has supported 400 research projects, 19 research infrastructures, and more than 700 postgraduate students.
“In agriculture alone, NRF has funded over 100 projects ranging from crop yield improvement to livestock management and sustainable farming practices,” Prof. Andala said.
Egerton University, with a strong agricultural foundation, has received Ksh 152.9 million from NRF to implement several groundbreaking projects. Among them is the Safe Food Reference Laboratory Infrastructure project worth Ksh 39 million, which tests for heavy metals, antibiotic residues, and pathogens in food—boosting consumer confidence in both local and international markets.
Other notable projects funded at Egerton include:
- Development of gluten-free sorghum bread by Prof. Erick Cheruiyot, now sold in Nakuru supermarkets.
- Research on cowpea productivity by Prof. Makhungu to enhance nutrition security in Eastern Kenya.
- Biopesticides development by Prof. Josphat Matasyoh, with a prototype ready for patenting.
- Studies on aflatoxin reduction led by Prof. Meshack Obonyo.
- Innovative environmental monitoring of Lake Nakuru by Prof. Julius Kipkemboi.
“These examples show how research can directly benefit farmers and communities,” Prof. Andala noted, appealing to farmers in attendance to use available facilities and findings to strengthen food safety and production.
Egerton and Nakuru’s Role
Egerton Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage described hosting the festival as a monumental achievement for the institution, which continues to champion agricultural research and innovation.
He urged the government to meet its commitment of allocating 2pc of GDP to research, noting that current funding falls below 1pc.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, through remarks delivered by Deputy Governor David Kones, lauded the partnership between Egerton University, NRF, and the County Government. She pointed to ongoing county efforts such as subsidised fertiliser, edible oil crop promotion, and livestock transformation projects.
“This festival is more than an event—it is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to food security,” Kihika said.
A Platform for Farmers and Innovators
This year’s festival will host over 1,000 farmers from across Nakuru County, providing field demonstrations, exhibitions, keynote speeches, panel discussions, training sessions, poster presentations, and innovation pitches.
The event aims to close the long-standing gap between research findings and grassroots adoption.
As Kenya pursues Vision 2030, leaders and experts agreed that transforming agriculture through science, research, and innovation will be critical to achieving food security and improving livelihoods.
The festival runs through Friday, August 22, 2025.
