UoN and Elgon Kenya Sign Trust Deed for Kantaria Agricultural Technology and Innovation Centre (KATIC)
The University of Nairobi and Elgon Kenya Ltd have officially entered into a landmark collaboration with the signing of a Trust Deed for the establishment of the Kantaria Agricultural Technology and Innovation Centre (KATIC). The signing ceremony, held on February 21, 2025, at the University of Nairobi, was graced by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, the Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Namgya Khampa and the Managing Director of Elgon Kenya, Dr. Bimal Kantaria.
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 agricultural sector. The initiative aims to promote resource mobilization for the development and commercialization of promising innovations, educate and mentor innovators and entrepreneurs, and enhance the uptake of technology and innovations along various agricultural value chains.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, 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.
Dr. Kantaria echoed these 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.
The Vice Chancellor also took the opportunity to thank the Indian High Commission to Kenya and 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 the University of Nairobi and Elgon Kenya in driving agricultural transformation through technology and innovation.