UoN and Elgon Kenya sign Trust Deed ahead of Launch of KATIC

The University of Nairobi and Elgon Kenya signed a trust deed to solemnize the Industry- Academia collaboration ahead of the upcoming official opening of the KATIC in March 2025. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Indian High Commissioner, H.E Namgya Khampa.

The Vice-Chancellor (ag), Prof. Margaret Hutchinson represented the University while the Managing Director of Elgon Kenya, Dr Bimal Kantaria represented Elgon Kenya ltd. A total of 80 million Kenya shillings, donated by the Kantaria family, has been used to construct the Centre and additional 20 million will be used to purchase furniture and other finishes.

H.E. Namgya Khampa, the Indian High Commissioner, noted that this collaborative initiative marks a significant step in fostering innovation and technological advancements in the agricultural sector. The Kantaria Agricultural Technology and Innovation Centre (KATIC) will be situated at the Upper Kabete Campus, serving as a hub for agricultural research, technological advancement, and entrepreneurial mentorship.

The establishment of KATIC was driven by the urgent need to cultivate a culture of invention and innovation within the University. The initiative aims to promote resource mobilization for the development and commercialization of promising innovations, educate and mentor innovators and entrepreneurs are expected to enhance the uptake of technology and innovations along various agricultural value chains.

Dr. Kantaria echoed the sentiments, underscoring Elgon Kenya’s dedication to fostering technological advancements in agriculture. "Through KATIC, we aim to support groundbreaking agricultural innovations that will revolutionize the sector and contribute to food security and sustainability," he remarked.

Prof. Hutchinson emphasized the University of Nairobi's commitment to research and innovation, noting that KATIC would play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry. "This centre will provide a platform for our students, researchers, and innovators to translate their ideas into commercially viable solutions that can positively impact the agricultural sector," she stated.

The Vice Chancellor also took the opportunity to thank the Indian High Commission in Kenya through H.E. Namgya Khampa , for their unwavering support of this initiative since its inception.

With the signing of the Trust Deed, the operationalization of KATIC is set to commence, paving the way for a dynamic ecosystem of research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. This collaboration highlights the shared vision of transformation at the University of Nairobi and Elgon Kenya’s in driving agricultural transformation through technology and innovation.