Northern Kenya

Ruto allocates 200 acres for Garissa University’s agriculture, livestock research

President William Ruto greets graduants at Garissa University. (PCS)

By Issa Hussein | Thursday, June 20, 2024

He emphasised that the land will enable the university to undertake quality research, development, and innovation in the agriculture and livestock sectors.

Garissa University has secured 200 acres belonging to the Agricultural Development Corporation, following President William Ruto's approval, to be used for agriculture and livestock research and development.

President Ruto made this announcement at Garissa University during its 5th graduation ceremony, held at the university's graduation square.

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He emphasised that the land will enable the university to undertake quality research, development, and innovation in the agriculture and livestock sectors.

Ruto also announced that the government, through the National Research Fund, is supporting Garissa University in leading the transformation of the leather value chain, thereby catalysing productivity for numerous smallholder pastoralists.

The president stated that the government is dedicated to building resilient agricultural enterprises in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) to promote nutrition security, develop export manufacturing and value-addition capacity, and create employment opportunities.

"Unleashing the immense economic potential in these areas, particularly in the agriculture, livestock, and energy sectors, is critical to Kenya's economic transformation," he said.

He encouraged the academic community of Garissa University to actively engage in partnerships with public and private sector entities to optimize synergies and drive impactful changes.

"We look forward to benefiting from evidence-based insights and advisories from universities to enable informed decisions and knowledge-driven development strategies," he stated.

The president expressed eagerness to witness innovations that will enhance resilience, including research and development in drought-tolerant crop and livestock varieties, and the development of low-cost technologies for housing, water purification, and transportation.

"Given this region's tremendous renewable energy potential, I believe Garissa University must also prioritize research, development, and innovation that generate breakthroughs in solar and wind energy solutions," Ruto said.

He assured the university that the government is determined to make a transformative contribution through a partnership with the university, enabling it to play a significant role in building a bright future of shared prosperity for the nation, now and for generations to come.