Kantaria Agricultural Technology and Innovation Centre officially opens at University of Nairobi

KENYA – The Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET) joined partners and leaders on Friday to celebrate the launch of the Kantaria Agricultural Technology and Innovation Centre (KATIC) at the University of Nairobi’s Upper Kabete Campus.

The First Lady of Kenya, Rachael Ruto, graced the event, underlining its national importance.

KATIC is a joint initiative between Elgon Kenya Ltd and the University of Nairobi. The project pays tribute to the Kantaria family heritage and will play a key role in equipping young people with advanced agricultural technology skills, fostering research, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Speaking at the launch, ASNET Chairman and Elgon Kenya Managing Director Dr. Bimal Kantaria emphasized the long-term vision behind the centre.

“This initiative will inspire and empower the next generation of agricultural leaders. We want to bridge the gap between academia and industry while ensuring that agriculture remains at the heart of economic growth,” he said.

Youth and innovation at the centre

The facility, built at KES 80 million (US$618,240), will provide training in artificial intelligence, climate-smart solutions, and innovation-driven practices.

By linking students and researchers with private sector partners, KATIC aims to drive practical solutions that can strengthen food security and support farmers across Kenya.

ASNET Chief Executive Officer Agatha Thuo noted that the centre arrives at a critical moment for the sector.

“Kenya is doing relatively well in comparison to the rest of the continent. But we still have a long way to go. One major issue is the lack of adequate and timely data to track private sector investment and returns. We need accurate data to guide decisions, improve productivity, and enhance competitiveness,” she said.

Thuo added that the private sector continues to mobilize significant investments, yet tax regimes, competitiveness challenges, and high production costs remain barriers.

“Our taxation regimes, competitiveness and cost of production must be improved if we want to penetrate the African market. Government must allow the private sector to do what it does best – innovate, produce, and trade – while focusing on creating an enabling environment through responsive policies and infrastructure,” she said.

Wider sector challenges

The launch comes only months after a national review of Kenya’s agriculture performance under the Malabo Declaration.

That meeting, hosted in partnership with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), revealed that Kenya and other regional states remain off track on most of the targets, including halving poverty through agriculture by 2025.

Dr. Sylivia Henga, a policy and food security expert with the Food Systems Resilience Project at IGAD, warned of the urgent situation.

“Food insecurity in the IGAD region now affects over 62 million people. This situation is alarming and calls for integrated national dialogues and coordinated regional action. Investments in agriculture must go beyond production to include value addition, resilience to climate change, and inclusive participation of all sectors,” she said.

Henga stressed the need for stronger data systems, better coordination, and recognition of informal food systems, such as community-based seed production and indigenous practices.

As Kenya aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area, stakeholders see opportunities for agriculture to drive growth and regional trade.

Thuo summed it up clearly: “The future of Kenya’s agriculture lies in synergy, investment, and data. We have the tools and the talent. Now we need commitment and coordination to get the job done.”

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