CS Kagwe Pitches Stronger Pacts as JKUAT Bags Top Awards at Nairobi Show
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, has called for stronger collaboration among government, farmers and research institutions to provide the support needed to strengthen the future of agriculture. The CS made the call when he presided over the opening of the Nairobi International Trade Fair (NITF) organized by the Agricultural Society of…
(L-R) Esco, Director, Mr. Jeremiah Nyori, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension, Prof. Jackson Kwanza, JKUAT Chair of Council, Dr. Micah Onsando, Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua, Chair, Show Committee, Prof. Francis Njonge and Mr Gabriel Githu showcase the trophies JKUAT won during the Nairobi International Trade Fair.
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, has called for stronger collaboration among government, farmers and research institutions to provide the support needed to strengthen the future of agriculture.
The CS made the call when he presided over the opening of the Nairobi International Trade Fair (NITF) organized by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) on September 30, 2026, which brought together more than 300 exhibitors from diverse sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and education.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), which was among the exhibitors, showcased an array of innovations and emerged top in four of the seven award categories in which it competed. The performance marked an improvement from previous years and demonstrated the University’s growing contribution to agricultural innovation through research, technology and practical solutions.
Dr. Grace Mungai of JKUAT’s Institute of Biotechnology Research (IBR) explains some of the mushroom products on display to visitors at the JKUAT stand.
CS Kagwe highlighted the immense potential for collaboration among key stakeholders in the agricultural sector to advance climate-smart agriculture and enable farmers to derive greater value from their produce.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi underscored the important role of research institutions in developing practical, research-based solutions to pressing challenges in food and nutrition. She cited JKUAT’s cricket-based products and tissue culture technologies as examples of innovations with potential to contribute to the agricultural sector.
Reflecting on the University’s research and innovation efforts, Prof. Ngumi expressed pride in the opportunity to showcase the work of JKUAT researchers and its contribution to advancing practical solutions.
JKUAT Staff in jubilation after a stellar performance.
“We are immensely proud to have the opportunity to showcase what our researchers are doing in terms of innovative solutions which have placed this institution on the map,” said Prof. Ngumi.
She added that the recognition received at the NITF reflected the impact of these efforts, with JKUAT emerging top in four award categories.
JKUAT Council Chair Dr. Micah Onsando also expressed satisfaction with the University’s performance, describing the results as a source of pride and urging the institution to sustain its momentum in research and innovation.
“This is a performance to be proud of, and as an institution of research, we have to keep the fire burning,” Dr. Onsando said.
The NITF results bring JKUAT’s total haul from the Nyeri and Nairobi ASK Shows to 11 top trophies, with seven secured at the Nyeri show and four at Nairobi. The strong showing underscores the impact of JKUAT’s research and innovations in addressing real-world challenges and highlights the University’s continued efforts to translate science, technology and innovation into practical solutions that support sustainable agriculture, food security and improved livelihoods.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi greets CS Mutahi Kagwe with Chair of Council, Dr. Micah Onsando and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension, Prof. Jackson Kwanza hold trophies won with other JKUAT Officials after the awarding ceremony.