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EAGC and SEKU University have joined forces to promote Sustainable Food Systems in Kenya’s Lower Eastern Region.
In a bid to enhance food security and drive economic growth in the Lower Eastern part of Kenya, the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) has entered into a 5-year strategic partnership with South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) to transform the region's grain value chain leveraging EAGC's expertise in facilitating efficient and inclusive grain trade with SEKU's cutting-edge research and academic excellence in agriculture and food science.
Recognizing the critical role of a robust and sustainable grain sector in regional development, this partnership will address key challenges facing the industry. Research initiatives will focus on developing and implementing innovative technologies to minimize post-harvest losses, improve grain storage and handling practices, and unlock new opportunities for value addition.
Beyond research and training, the partnership will actively engage in policy advocacy. Leveraging the combined expertise of both institutions, EAGC and SEKU will advocate for policy reforms that promote sustainable agricultural practices, facilitate fair trade, and enhance food security across the region.
"This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to transform the grain sector," stated Gerald Masila, Executive Director, EAGC. "Together we will unlock the full potential of the agribusiness sector in this region, promoting sustainability, innovation, and economic prosperity while empowering local communities and improving livelihoods."
Recognizing the significant role of local communities, the partnership will focus on empowering farmers and other stakeholders within the grain value chain through the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices that enhance soil health, conserve water resources, and minimize environmental impact.
Prof. Eng. Douglas Shitanda Vice-Chancellor of SEKU expressed his commitment to embark on this exciting journey with EAGC. "This collaboration provides a unique platform for SEKU to translate cutting-edge research into tangible solutions that address the critical challenges facing the agricultural sector and contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of East Africa."
To bridge the gap between academia and industry, SEKU students will gain practical experience through internships and attachments within EAGC member organizations. This hands-on experience will provide students with a deeper understanding of the grain trade industry, and equip them with the practical skills required to succeed in the agricultural sector.
ABOUT EASTERN AFRICA GRAIN COUNCIL (EAGC)
The Eastern Africa Grain Council is a regional organization with membership drawn from across the Eastern and Southern Africa. Membership is drawn from grain value chain stakeholders currently with presence in 10 countries across Africa including Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, South Sudan, DRC Congo and Ethiopia. EAGC’s key products and services include promotion of structured trading system (STS) through the warehouse receipting systems (WRS), and Regional Grain Trading platform (GSoko), Market Information Systems (MIS) offered through the Regional Agricultural Trade Intelligence Network (RATIN- (www.ratin.net) and evidence-based Policy Advocacy and Training and Capacity Building through the Grain Business Institute (GBI).
For more information, please contact the EAGC Secretariat:
Programs Officer, MIS & Communication – Gillian Kipkemboi Tel: +254 105 669 574 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or Regional Manager MIS & Communications, Jacinta Mwau Tel: +254 712 651430, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ABOUT SOUTH EASTERN KENYA UNIVERSITY
South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) is a public university located in Kitui County, Kenya. Established in 2013 through a charter by the Kenyan government, it evolved from its predecessor, the South Eastern University College (SEUCO), which had operated as a constituent college of the University of Nairobi since 2008. SEKU was founded to expand access to higher education in Kenya’s semi-arid south eastern region and address local and national development needs. The university’s main campus is situated in Kwa-Vonza in Kitui county, with additional campuses and satellite centres in neighbouring counties. SEKU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including agriculture, engineering, education, business, information technology, environmental science, and health sciences. Its curricula emphasize innovation, research, and community engagement, particularly focusing on challenges relevant to arid and semi-arid areas, such as sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and climate resilience. SEKU’s mission is centered on fostering academic excellence, promoting research, and driving sustainable socio-economic development. The institution collaborates with local and international partners to enhance its educational impact and contribute to Kenya’s developmental goals.
For more information, please contact the SEKU Communication Office:
Assistant Corporate Communication Officer – Lilian Okwili Tel: +254 724 101 263
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.