Kenyatta University Sets the Pace for UPLIFT-Ag Project in 2024

As UPLIFT-Ag’s coordinating institution, Kenyatta University anchored Year 1 activities , leading governance, data management, and cross-country collaboration.

From launching the project to pioneering curriculum reforms and innovation platforms, KU ensured that universities, industry, and students worked hand-in-hand to shape Africa’s agricultural future.

📊 Year 1 at a Glance 

• 50+ delegates at the project launch (Feb 2024) 
• 20+ universities represented at the 4th National Agriculture Summit 2024
• 150+ staff trained in partnership & collaboration (Nov 2024)
• 20+ student innovations showcased at KU Innovation Day
• A technology demonstration farm launched at Kitui Campus

 Uplift-Ag Launch in Feb 2024

 Strong Coordination & Transparent Governance

KU provided the project secretariat, establishing management teams across institutions and countries.

Key milestones:

- Quarterly-Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings to review risks, inclusivity, and financial compliance.

- Launch of a central data repository for consortium results

- Training on data handling, IP ownership, and gender equality (GESI principles) at project inception

- Submission of timely financial and technical progress reports

 Building University–Industry Partnerships

KU spearheaded national efforts to bridge academia and the agriculture sector:

- Partnered with Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), placing universities in key policy dialogues

- Supported university participation at the 4th National Agriculture Summit, where 18 students from 8 universities exhibited innovations

- Launched the Deans of Agriculture Forum (DAF), now part of monthly consultative meetings with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture

 The Deans Forum Launch at the National Agriculture Summit 2024

Driving Curriculum Reform & Modern Teaching

Education reform was central to KU’s Year 1 work:

- The University reviewed the School of Agriculture curricula, embedding industry co-teaching, digital tools (AI, GIS, IoT, robotics), and problem-based research.

- The BSc Agriculture curicula was selected as the model curriculum for piloting new competencies: leadership, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and sustainability.

- The school also established a technology demonstration farm at Kitui Campus, featuring drip irrigation, a seed propagation unit, and future black soldier fly and fruit tree units.

Students learn how to utilize drip irrigation on crops at Kitui campus farm 

Fostering Innovation & Entrepreneurship

To nurture Africa’s next generation of agripreneurs, KU:

- Participated in consortium-wide IP management and incubation training.
- Partnered with the  Coalition for Climate Entrepreneurship to train innovators on green businesses.
- Introduced an annual Innovation Day where  20+ student-led climate-smart innovations were showcased in 2024.

Communication & Visibility

KU strengthened project visibility and partner capacity by:
- Designing UPLIFT’s common branding and visibility toolkit.
- Establishing the official UPLIFT-Ag website & social media platforms.
- Training partners in  digital communication and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

A screenshot of the Uplift-Ag website @https://uplift-ag.org/

Looking Ahead

With a strong foundation in place, KU’s priorities for Year 2 include:
- Working with KEFAAS, ASNET, and the Deans Forum to develop national curriculum guidelines for agriculture education
- Expanding the Kitui demo farm with smart sensors and community outreach
- Supporting staff training to institutionalize industry partnerships