Elgon Kenya to fund Resource and Innovation Centre

The Managing Director, Elgon Kenya Limited, Dr. Bimal Kantaria paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi, Prof. Stephen Kiama on 5^th October, 2021. Elgon Kenya is a leading agri-inputs supplier in the East African region supplying chemicals, fertilizers, seeds, irrigation, greenhouse sheeting, plastics, nets, packaging materials and animal health products

The purpose of the courtesy call was to partner with the University of Nairobi in the establishment of a resource and innovation centre at Kabete Campus. Dr. Kantaria expressed the importance of academia engaging more with the private sector in order to build capacity among continuing and graduating students. He noted that establishing a resource centre will be integral in bridging the gap between industry and academia by providing students with the practical skills necessary to grow the Agricultural Sector.

Students especially those in the agricultural field will acquire a more hands-on approach with regards to modern methods of farming and how to incorporate technology in a bid to increase the yields, save on costs and time and generally improve productivity. Thus, the innovation centre will interface students with the needs of the industry.

An exciting project like the resource and innovation centre will also be integral in persuading the youth to take up agriculture instead of relying on white collar jobs for employment.  The technological aspect of the project will gauge their interests.  

A committee drawn from various departments has been formed and they are working on the MoU to be signed by University of Nairobi and Elgon Kenya, the project concept and vision and the project site. On 14^th October, 2021 the committee members accompanied by Prof. Stephen Kiama and Dr. Bimal Kantaria will tour Kabete Campus in order to identify the project site.

The resource and innovation centre will go a long way in transforming Agriculture in the African Continent.