Kenya is set to become a hub for advanced agricultural research following the establishment of the first International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Regional Research Centre (ICGEB RRC) in Africa at Egerton University. This development marks a significant milestone in biotechnology and genetic engineering, aiming to enhance food security through innovative scientific approaches.
The groundbreaking initiative was officially launched with the handing over of the construction site at Egerton University to the contractor. The state-of-the-art facility will house research laboratories specializing in genetic engineering, molecular plant pathology, crop breeding, and genetic bio-fortification studies. These research areas are critical in addressing food security challenges, particularly in developing high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties to sustain a growing population.
Egerton University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics, Research, and Extension, Professor Bernard Aduda, emphasized the institution’s commitment to maintaining high biosafety standards. The facility will be certified under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) protocols, ensuring compliance with global safety standards and enabling researchers to conduct advanced studies safely and securely.
The establishment of this research centre follows Kenya’s selection in 2016 by the ICGEB Board of Governors to host the first Regional Research Centre in Africa. The decision aligns with the global expansion of ICGEB, which already operates advanced research centres in Trieste, Italy; New Delhi, India; and Cape Town, South Africa.
Professor Walter Oyawa, Director General of the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI), was appointed as ICGEB Governor for Kenya. He played a crucial role in selecting the host institution for the centre. After a competitive process involving seven Kenyan universities, Egerton University emerged as the preferred institution due to its strong research capabilities and strategic location.
The ICGEB RRC at Egerton University will focus on several critical research areas, including:Molecular Plant Pathology – Studying pathogen infection mechanisms to develop disease-resistant crops, reducing reliance on harmful agrochemicals.
Marker-Assisted Selection and Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) – Enhancing the breeding of high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties.
Food Safety and Molecular Diagnostics – Developing advanced diagnostic tools to identify biological hazards, mycotoxins, and chemical residues in food, thereby strengthening agricultural value chains.
Bio-fortification of Staple Foods – Addressing hidden hunger by improving the nutritional value of essential crops like maize and cassava.
Bioprospecting for Biopesticides and Bioactive Compounds – Promoting sustainable agricultural practices through the development of environmentally friendly pest control solutions.
Professor Josiah Omolo, the Principal Investigator of the project, highlighted the centre’s potential to transform agricultural research in East Africa. He emphasized that by training scientists, collaborating with universities, and fostering knowledge exchange, the facility will enhance regional expertise in genetic engineering and biotechnology.
The centre’s operations will not only contribute to agricultural productivity but also attract investments, create jobs, and support sustainable development. Additionally, policymakers will benefit from evidence-based research to guide agricultural and biotechnology policies, ensuring ethical and responsible scientific practices.
The decision to establish the ICGEB RRC in Kenya was reaffirmed during the 22nd session of the ICGEB Board of Governors in Cape Town in 2016. Subsequent meetings, including the Annual General Meeting in 2020, formalized Kenya’s role as the host nation.
With construction now underway, Egerton University is poised to become a leading institution in agricultural biotechnology research. The ICGEB RRC will play a pivotal role in addressing food security challenges in Africa, leveraging cutting-edge genetic engineering and biotechnological innovations to ensure a sustainable agricultural future.
