JKUAT, Konza Explore Partnership to Boost Technology Solutions

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Konza Technopolis Development Authority are exploring a partnership aimed at addressing fragmented systems and strengthening Kenya’s capacity to develop homegrown technological solutions.

The proposed collaboration will explore opportunities in Commodity Exchange (COMEX), health, solar energy, oil and gas, and digital banking. It will focus on technology, training and capacity development, linking JKUAT’s research and technical expertise to practical needs across the sectors.

Speaking during a strategic collaboration meeting at JKUAT on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, former Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry and Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management Moses Kuria, who led the delegation, said the university had been deliberately selected for its strong innovation background and capacity to provide the technical expertise needed to drive the initiative.

He linked the proposed collaboration to Kenya’s import substitution agenda, arguing that local institutions should play a greater role in developing solutions to the country’s technological and societal challenges.

Kuria cited JKUAT’s previous work in laptop production and referred to a health information management system (HIMS) certification process that he said had gone through the university.

Welcoming the proposed partnership, Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Bernard Ikua said JKUAT was capable of driving the knowledge and innovation component, pointing to its laboratories, technical expertise and existing institutional capacity.

He said JKUAT’s reputation was reflected in its students’ performance in international competitions, citing their recent success at the Huawei ICT Competition global finals in China, where they won top prizes.

Prof. Ikua said universities had the expertise to address societal challenges and urged the government to draw on locally developed solutions rather than turn immediately to imported technologies. He cited JKUAT’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of how universities could mobilize their expertise to meet emerging national needs.

The partnership discussions seek to strengthen coordination between the institutions, promote local innovation and support Kenya’s efforts to develop homegrown solutions and reduce reliance on imported technologies.

Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua, said JKUAT would build on its existing relationship with the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) to strengthen the proposed partnership.

His counterpart in charge of Research, Production and Extension, Prof. Jackson Kwanza, affirmed JKUAT’s strength in research, innovation and technology, saying the university was well positioned to support the initiative.

JKUAT and KONZA teams in a commemorative photo