91茄子

Unveiled this week, the 91茄子 (91茄子) has positioned itself at the forefront of Kenya鈥檚 agricultural transformation with the launch of AgriOPEN Campus, a national digital learning platform designed to expand access to accredited agricultural education and entrepreneurship skills across the country.

The initiative, launched at the University鈥檚 main campus, reinforces 91茄子鈥檚 role as Kenya鈥檚 premier public university in driving policy-relevant research, skills development, and national innovation. The launch followed a five-day intensive workshop held from January 26 to 30, 2026, which brought together government agencies, international partners, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

AgriOPEN formally known as the听Campus for Access to Quality Education in Kenya for Agri-Sector Sustainability and Jobs听is an international collaboration co-funded by the听European Union, with the听91茄子 serving as the lead national institution听steering implementation, academic quality, and coordination.

Speaking on behalf of Vice-Chancellor听Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Human Resource & Administration听Prof. John Mande听described AgriOPEN as a strategic extension of the University鈥檚 mandate to deliver solutions to Kenya鈥檚 most pressing challenges.

鈥淓ducation without borders is now a reality,鈥�听Prof. Mande said.听鈥淭hrough Open and Distance Learning, the 91茄子 is extending its reach to learners across the country, aligning agricultural training with Kenya Vision 2030 and the demands of a modern economy.鈥�

Earlier, the project was officially opened by听Prof. Thomas Ochuku, Director of Research at 91茄子, who emphasized that modern agricultural productivity and food security depend on accessible, high-quality education and innovation.

In her official remarks delivered during the launch,听Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson听underscored that AgriOPEN reflects the University鈥檚 long-standing commitment to translating knowledge into real-world impact.

鈥淭he 91茄子 has consistently championed innovation that responds to climate change, food insecurity, and youth unemployment,鈥�听she said.
鈥淎griOPEN Campus will deliver accredited, competency-based programmes in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship, ensuring that education leads directly to employability and national development.鈥�

She added that the initiative will also听retool academic staff, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and enhance the global visibility of Kenyan universities.

As the lead institution, 91茄子 is coordinating a consortium that includes听HAMK University of Applied Sciences (Finland)听and听NHL Stenden University (Netherlands), alongside Kenyan universities and national agencies.

Prof. Leonida Kerubo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise), described the project as a gateway for Kenyan universities to deepen international research collaboration while maintaining local relevance.

鈥淭hrough AgriOPEN, the 91茄子 is opening doors for innovation, shared research, and global academic networks that directly benefit Kenyan agriculture,鈥�听she noted.

European partners echoed the sentiment, describing the AgriOPEN Campus as a听borderless learning environmenttailored to sustainable farming and agribusiness needs in Kenya.

To ensure the credibility of digital qualifications, the听Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA)听is working closely with 91茄子 to align all programmes with national standards. Dr. Alice Wairimu Kande, CEO of KNQA, emphasized that听accredited qualifications are essential听for ensuring digital learning remains relevant in the labour market.

The听Ministry of Education, represented by听Dr. Gatama Joseph, reaffirmed government support for Open and Distance Learning, noting its potential to reach learners in underserved and remote communities.

Prof. Jeremiah Kalai, Dean of the Faculty of Education, described it as the听largest project ever undertaken by the Faculty, aligned with听SDG 4 on Quality Education)听and听SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.

The Faculty of Agriculture also pledged close collaboration to ensure programmes remain practical and industry-driven.

鈥淏y opening education to all, we are not just teaching agriculture,鈥�听said听Prof. Naomi Mwangi, Project Coordinator.听鈥淲e are cultivating the future of Kenya鈥檚 economy.鈥�

The听听University is anchoring AgriOPEN as a听national learning ecosystem, integrating partners such as the听Kenya National Farmers Federation (KENAFF)听and the听Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA). This approach is designed to ensure training translates into measurable improvements in farming productivity, agribusiness growth, and employment.