Bungoma, Kenya 15th April – In a bid to elevate the grain sector in Western Kenya, Kibabii University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC), ushering in a new era of collaboration focused on research, innovation, capacity building, and agribusiness development.
The MoU reflects a mutual commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and food security by combining academic research with practical, market-driven solutions. This includes the development of innovative technologies for post-harvest handling and storage, aiming to curb the high percentage of grain loss that continues to affect both household incomes and national food reserves.
The partnership also seeks to provide practical solutions for value added by exploring efficient processing techniques that enhance the quality, shelf life, and marketability of grains. With a focus on empowerment and inclusivity, Kibabii University and EAGC will collaborate in designing training programs and workshops targeting farmers, traders, and students, providing them with hands-on skills in modern grain handling, marketing, and quality assurance.
Recognizing the importance of academic contribution to national policy, the collaboration will also produce joint publications including research papers, policy briefs, manuals, and case studies to inform decision-making and drive evidence-based policy formulation.
Capacity building remains a central pillar of the partnership, with plans underway to establish certification programs that focus on food safety, quality control, and grain standards, equipping professionals with the competencies needed to meet both domestic and international market requirements.
A shared interest in advocacy and community engagement is also embedded in the MoU. The institutions will champion policies that support sustainable agriculture, fair trade, and regional food security, while also organizing outreach programs that sensitize rural communities on sustainable grain practices, value-addition opportunities, and market access pathways.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo, Vice Chancellor of Kibabii University, hailed the MoU as a turning point for the university’s contribution to agricultural development. “This partnership provides us with an avenue to extend our academic research beyond the classroom and into the lives of farmers and agribusinesses. It reaffirms our role as a knowledge hub for solutions that uplift communities and build resilient food systems,” he stated. On his part, Gerald Masila, Executive Director of EAGC, emphasized the Council’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with academic institutions to accelerate transformation in the grain sector. “Kibabii University brings academic rigor and innovation to the table. Together, we will co-create solutions that are responsive to the needs of the grain industry from production to market and position Eastern Africa as a leader in structured grain trade.”
