Japan has committed to enhance its support for Kenya’s agriculture, one of the key sectors for the country’s economic recovery and growth amidst Covid-19, through human resource development.
The country’s ambassador to Kenya Horie Ryoichi said this when the embassy and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology inaugurated an agriculture laboratory in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resource, which was renovated with Japanese support.
Ambassador Horie said Japan will continue working with Kenya as Nairobi seeks to overcome economic challenges brought about by the pandemic shocks.
“I wish continued success for further human resource and agriculture development in Kenya and for this project,” he said.
Ambassador Horie welcomed the progress made in renovating the laboratory, saying Japan was pleased to continue supporting the development of infrastructure and capacity at the college.
“I strongly believe that Jkuat continues to play a crucial role for human resource development both in Kenya and Africa as one of the most prestigious and leading universities. It is our pleasure to support agriculture development through Jkuat in Kenya,” the ambassador said.
Japan has a long-running and cordial relationship with Jkuat since its establishment in 1977 and formal recognition as a university in 1981.
The agriculture laboratory was renovated as part of Phase 1 of the Africa-Japan project (2014-20), supported through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The initiative, a partnership o the governments of Kenya and Japan, and the Commission of African Union seeks to strengthen the knowledge and skills of students and staff of Jkuat and the Pan African Union Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, which is domiciled at the university campus.
The project also provides support from Japanese experts and opportunities for innovation in collaboration with the private sector, including Japanese companies.
Educations CS George Magoha, University Education and Research PS Amb Simon Nabukwesi, Jkuat vice-chancellor Prof Victoria Wambui Ngumi, council chairman Amb Mahboub Maalim and JICA chief representative Iwama Hajime were present during the event.
CS Magoha congratulated the completion of the renovation of the building, and called for continued cooperation with Japan for the improvement of education in the country.