As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and the realization of its strategic objectives, the Egerton University Directorate of Research, under the leadership of Prof. George Owuor, spearheaded a tree planting exercise at Field 10 on the university’s main campus.

In an inspiring show of commitment to ecological responsibility and institutional greening efforts, the Directorate planted over 200 trees during the exercise. The activity aligns with the Directorate’s workplan that prioritizes environmental stewardship as a key pillar in research and innovation.

Prof. George Owuor was joined by Prof. Charles M'Erimba, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Mr. Gerald Areba, Taton Farm Manager, and the entire staff from the Directorate of Research. Together, they emphasized the role of academic units in leading practical solutions to global challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation.

Prof. Owuor noted that the Directorate’s involvement in tree planting reflects the university’s broader vision of integrating sustainability into all its programs and operations. “We are not only contributing to carbon sequestration but also reinforcing the importance of applied research in environmental conservation,” he said.

Egerton University has appointed Professor George Owuor as the new Director of Research and Extension following a competitive selection process. Prof. Owuor brings with him a wealth of experience in academia, research, and leadership, positioning him as a key figure in advancing the University’s research agenda.

A Distinguished Career in Research and Agribusiness

Prof. Owuor is an accomplished academic and researcher with a PhD in Agribusiness Management, obtained through the DAAD-German Academic Exchange Programme between Kiel University in Germany and Egerton University. His expertise spans impact assessment, rural agricultural finance, enterprise development, and land use management. He has been instrumental in collaborative research and consultancy projects with prestigious institutions such as the World Bank, European Union, USAID, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).

Prof. Owuor currently serves as the Center Leader of the World Bank-funded African Center of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness Management (CESAAM) and was the former Director of Income-Generating Units at Egerton University. He was also the Managing Director of Egerton University Investment Company from 2017 to 2021, where he spearheaded the turnaround of the company’s financial and operational performance. Under his leadership, the company not only recovered from financial difficulties but also transitioned to a clean audit status, demonstrating strong financial accountability.

Beyond his administrative roles, Prof. Owuor has played a pivotal role in postgraduate supervision, having successfully guided PhD and Masters students. His contributions to academia are further highlighted by his authorship of over 70 publications in national and international journals. Additionally, he has served as an external examiner for universities across Africa, including Copperbelt University in Zambia and the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

Steering Research and Innovation at Egerton University

As the Director of Research and Extension, Prof. Owuor will be responsible for steering research, innovation, and the commercialization of intellectual property at Egerton University. His key duties will include developing and formulating research-related policies to enhance academic and scientific excellence. He will coordinate the sourcing and disbursement of research funds to support groundbreaking studies while overseeing research dissemination through seminars, workshops, symposia, and conferences. In addition, he will document research activities, innovations, and intellectual properties and enhance extension and outreach activities to bridge the gap between research and practical applications. His role will also include preparing statutory reports on Science, Technology, and Innovations.

A Vision for the Future

Prof. Owuor’s vast experience in governance, leadership, and research collaboration will be instrumental in positioning Egerton University as a premier research institution. His leadership at CESAAM has already contributed to capacity building for over 240 Master’s and PhD students, as well as fostering partnerships with institutions across Africa, Europe, and the USA. With his proven track record of strategic leadership and research excellence, the Egerton University community looks forward to his contributions in driving innovation and fostering a strong research culture. We wish Prof. George Owuor great success in his new role and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of his leadership on research and extension at the university.

Egerton University had the privilege of hosting Prof. Nada Fadul, Associate Dean at the University of Nebraska Medical Centre, USA. Prof. Fadul was warmly received by Prof. Bernard O. Aduda, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic, Research, and Extension), who represented the Vice Chancellor during the visit. The meeting provided a platform for discussions on research collaborations, particularly in the fields of HIV research and infectious diseases.

During the courtesy call, Dr Clarence Maikuri Mangera, a researcher specializing in mosquito-borne infections, shared insights into his ongoing work. He detailed efforts to establish a state-of-the-art laboratory at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, along with the Infectious Ecology and Control Lab, which would be instrumental in advancing infectious disease research.

Dr Bartholomew N. Ondigo reflected on his previous interactions with Prof. Fadul during a recent conference in Nairobi. He emphasized Egerton University's strategic position near Nakuru Level 5 Hospital and its robust faculties as key factors in fostering successful interdisciplinary research collaborations. Dr Ondigo expressed optimism that such partnerships would significantly contribute to the fight against HIV and other infectious diseases in the region.

Njoro, Kenya 

The establishment of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Regional Research Centre (ICGEB RRC) at Egerton University is making notable progress, following the University Council's approval to integrate one wing of the stalled Agronomy Building into the project.

The contractor on-site has ramped up efforts to ensure timely completion of the state-of-the-art research facility, which will serve as a hub for genetic engineering and biotechnology research and innovation in sub-Saharan Africa. The move to utilize the existing structure aligns with Egerton University’s strategic approach to optimizing resources while advancing academic and research excellence.