Strengthening Food Safety Testing and Analytical Research
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has strengthened its partnership with Germany-based BioTrace Laboratories Ltd to advance food safety testing, research and analytical capacity at the University. The collaboration brings together JKUAT’s Department of Chemistry and BioTrace Laboratories to transform the University’s existing advanced laboratory infrastructure into an internationally accredited facility for high-precision…
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Bernard Ikua delivers remarks during a courtesy call by BioTrace Laboratories leadership.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has strengthened its partnership with Germany-based BioTrace Laboratories Ltd to advance food safety testing, research and analytical capacity at the University.
The collaboration brings together JKUAT’s Department of Chemistry and BioTrace Laboratories to transform the University’s existing advanced laboratory infrastructure into an internationally accredited facility for high-precision pesticide and mycotoxin residue analysis.
Speaking during engagement with the BioTrace Laboratories team, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Bernard Ikua, who represented the Vice Chancellor, said the partnership demonstrates JKUAT’s commitment to strengthening research, innovation and technology transfer while ensuring that its expertise and infrastructure respond to emerging national, regional and global challenges.
Prof. Ikua noted that attaining ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for the University’s analytical laboratory would enhance the credibility, reliability and international recognition of testing services offered by the Department of Chemistry. He said the collaboration provides an opportunity to combine JKUAT’s academic and research expertise with BioTrace’s industry experience to deliver scientific solutions with practical impact on society and the economy.
Dr. Ryan Karongo, CEO of BioTrace Laboratories, delivers his remarks during the engagement.
Chairman, Department of Chemistry, Dr. Elijah Ngumba, described the partnership as a significant milestone in strengthening the University’s analytical chemistry, research and innovation capabilities. He noted that the Department has established a strong reputation in analytical chemistry and chromatographic training, having deployed its first Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) system in 2007.
Since then, JKUAT has continued to invest in advanced laboratory infrastructure and research capabilities. Dr. Ngumba said the partnership would further strengthen laboratory systems, enhance research capacity and position the University as a regional centre for internationally recognised chemical analysis and technical capacity development, while enabling the Department to provide solutions that respond directly to societal and industry needs.
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of BioTrace Laboratories Ltd, Dr. Ryan Karongo, commended JKUAT for its commitment to strengthening advanced analytical laboratory capacity and described the partnership as an important step towards advancing food safety and scientific excellence in Africa.
Dr. Karongo said the collaboration would combine JKUAT’s academic and scientific expertise with BioTrace’s industry experience in advanced analytical testing to develop sustainable solutions to challenges affecting food safety and agricultural trade. He noted that JKUAT’s infrastructure, expertise and human capital provide a strong foundation for establishing a laboratory that meets international standards while delivering testing services with measurable impact on food safety and the agricultural sector.
Beyond laboratory development, Dr. Karongo said the partnership would create opportunities for skills development, research collaboration, technology transfer and professional training for students, researchers and laboratory scientists.
He also appreciated JKUAT leadership, the Department of Chemistry and Prof. Anthony Gachanja, a senior lecturer in the department, for their role in advancing the collaboration, noting that progress towards accreditation reflects the commitment of both institutions to achieving the initiative’s objectives.
The University leadership appreciated BioTrace Laboratories for selecting JKUAT as an anchor partner, noting that public-private partnerships of this nature can contribute to strengthening Kenya’s scientific and technological capacity.
The partners are now working towards completing the remaining requirements for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, which is expected to mark a significant milestone in expanding JKUAT’s advanced analytical laboratory services and strengthening food safety testing and research.
JKUAT and BioTrace Laboratories leadership pose for a commemorative group photograph following the engagement.