PRESS RELEASE
Kilimo Trust and Egerton University Advance Joint Centre of Excellence in Regenerative Agriculture
Nakuru, Kenya – January 23rd, 2026
Kilimo Trust, in partnership with Egerton University, is advancing plans to establish a Joint Centre of Excellence in Regenerative
Agriculture, marking a significant step in driving sustainable agricultural innovation in East Africa. A ceremonial groundbreaking is
expected next month at the university’s Agro-Science Park.
The announcement follows a high-level meeting between Egerton University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, and Kilimo Trust
Kenya Country Team Leader, Mr. Anthony Mugambi. The Centre is currently undergoing statutory and institutional approvals,
with the first phase of development estimated to cost approximately KES 40 million.
Prof. Kibwage welcomed the partnership, highlighting that it aligns with national and continental priorities for sustainable food
systems and demonstrates Egerton University’s commitment to knowledge-driven agricultural transformation.
Speaking on behalf of Kilimo Trust, Mr. Anthony Mugambi emphasized that the Centre will serve as a regional platform for climatesmart agriculture, carbon-credit and bio-economy research, and private sector innovation. “The Centre will be open to
researchers, students, and farming communities, enabling collaboration and knowledge sharing across the region,” he said.
According to Prof. Paul Kimurto, Director of the Agro-Science Park, the Centre will function as a hub for research, innovation, and
capacity development in climate-smart and regenerative agriculture. It will feature demonstration farms, farmer and extension
training programs, agribusiness incubation, and collaborative applied research. “This initiative strengthens Egerton University’s
mandate in agricultural sciences and positions the Agro-Science Park as a regional hub for regenerative agriculture, agri-value
chains development, and technology transfer,” said Prof. Kimurto.
The Centre of Excellence will be developed with support from the IKEA Foundation, which is already partnering with Kilimo Trust
and Egerton University to help rice farmers and other value chain actors in Kenya and Uganda transition to regenerative rice
farming methods that improve livelihoods while restoring and protecting the environment.
The research component of the project is led by Prof. Kimurto and Prof. Ondiek, Chair of Animal Science, with contributions from
MSc and PhD students in field experimentation and data generation.
The Joint Centre of Excellence embodies a new model of university–industry–development collaboration, with the potential to
influence policy, enhance farmer resilience, and strengthen value chains amid growing climate challenges in East Africa.
For more information, please contact:
Victor Kiprop
+254703927593
About Kilimo Trust
Kilimo Trust is a not-for-profit organization working to accelerate sustainable agricultural transformation in East Africa. The
organization supports inclusive agrifood systems by strengthening value chains, enhancing market access, promoting climatesmart agriculture, and driving private sector engagement. Operating across the region, Kilimo Trust partners with governments,
research institutions, the private sector, and farming communities to improve incomes, food security, and resilience to climate
change.