In a strategic effort to position science at the heart of national food security, the National Research Fund (NRF) will host the Kenya National Research Festival 2025 from 18th to 22nd August at Egerton University. The five-day event aims to spotlight research-driven solutions that can transform Kenya’s agriculture in the face of climate change, food insecurity, and economic inequality.
Held under the theme “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security,” the festival will convene researchers, government agencies, private sector actors, innovators, and development partners to share cutting-edge technologies and evidence-based strategies for agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
“The festival reflects Kenya’s growing recognition that innovation and collaboration must be at the heart of national development,” said an NRF spokesperson. “By convening multiple sectors under one umbrella, we aim to accelerate the translation of research into real-world impact.”
This year’s edition aligns with several key policy frameworks, including Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
The festival is expected to draw a broad and diverse audience, from policymakers and industry leaders to youth entrepreneurs, scientists, students, and philanthropists. Participants will include ministries, county governments, universities, NGOs, donor agencies, and international development organisations.
Key topics set to dominate the agenda include:
-
Regenerative and climate-smart agriculture
-
Biotechnology and soil health
-
Digital farming tools
-
Youth-led agri-enterprise
-
Water resource management
-
Strengthening agricultural value chains
Egerton University, the country’s premier agricultural research institution, will serve as the host venue, offering a symbolic and practical backdrop for the national dialogue. Located in a major food-producing region, the university is well-positioned to showcase Kenya’s agricultural research capacity and legacy.
The NRF also plans to recognise outstanding research achievements during the festival and use insights from the event to inform national research priorities and enhance funding pipelines for high-impact innovations.
As Kenya continues to navigate the twin pressures of climate instability and rising food insecurity, the festival offers a timely platform for exploring locally grounded, scalable solutions—and reaffirming the country’s commitment to evidence-based development.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
Photo/Google
Comment