Two Kenyan projects awarded Sh283 million French funding

Kenya has presented two projects that have been awarded Sh 283 million from the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs under the Fonds Equipe France (French Team Fund) funding mechanism. 

The fund supports development projects with up to one million euros (Sh 141.6 million) per project that must be implemented in less than 30 months.  

Last year, the French Embassy in Kenya presented two project proposals, one from Kenya called the BIO Kenya project and the other a regional project that includes Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda called the R’OHOKET project which will be coordinated in the country. 

Each project took a record time of six months to be put together.  

The R’OHOKET project, which received a share of Sh 141.6 million, brings together six partners from the four East African countries. 

They include the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), and the Kenya Red Cross Society.  

The other project partners include the Muhimbili University of Health and Applied Sciences in Tanzania, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute in Ethiopia as well as Makerere’s University College of Health Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine and Biodefense in Uganda.  

R’OHOKET was launched to fight against antimicrobial resistance in East Africa through the effective implementation of the One Health approach which is of the understanding that human, animal and environmental health are interdependent. 

In 2019, more than 4.95 million deaths worldwide were attributed to drug-resistant bacterial infections, where 1.27 million were directly linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).  

In Kenya the same year, there were 8,500 deaths attributable to AMR and 37,300 deaths associated with AMR.  

The number of AMR deaths in Kenya is higher than deaths from neoplasms, enteric infections, maternal and neonatal disorders, digestive diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases.  

This project is centred around the promotion of research and evidence-based AMR understanding, awareness and prevention actions at local, national and regional levels and strengthening decision-making processes.  

It also aims to leverage existing regional collaborations, sector investments and current knowledge to improve action at the human health- animal health- ecosystems interface to improve public health. 

Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Ahmed Idris said they plan to combine a series of expertise in research, social mobilisation creating public awareness knowledge, and in policy and advocacy influence. 

“ILRI and KEMRI are actively involved in the research and fight against antimicrobial resistance and the surveillance of antimicrobial use,” he said.  

“They will be contributing to strengthening the animal and health laboratory capacities while improving the technical capacity for AMR surveillance in Kenya.” 

“As Kenya Red Cross, we will be creating and understanding of social norms at all levels and implement awareness-raising actions and collaborations with media, communities, young people and universities in Kenya.” 

KEMRI One Health research program deputy director Robert Onsare said some of the gaps that they will be addressing are the state of quality processes in public health institutions as well as standard operating procedures that need to be updated. 

“Some of the Public Health Institutions that they are targeting include the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital,” he said.  

“Others include the Nakuru Level 6 Hospital, Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital as well as the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital.” 

“We are however still in discussion so that we can come up with a comprehensive list.”

The BIO Kenya project which received a share of  Sh 141.32 million, brings together researchers from KALRO, Koitalel Samoei University College, University of Embu, and other universities under the coordination of the National Research Fund (NRF). 

It also brings together researchers from the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), French Institute for Research for Sustainable Development (IRD), the French agricultural research and cooperation organisation (CIRAD) and the Latin Network of Biochar in Cuba.  

The project aims to turn waste into wealth where it promotes the use of biochar and insect-composted organic fertilisers (ICOF) to significantly increase crop yields, suppress pests and diseases, reduce soil degradation and mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration at minimal cost.  

Their use, however, remains limited due to a lack of technical know-how.  

According to the researchers the cost of fertilisers and other farming inputs is beyond the reach of most Kenyan farmers. 

This results in low yields and contributes to food insecurity in the country.  

Such challenges they said cannot be met sustainably with chemical fertilisers which in turn increase soil acidity, greenhouse gases and the crops vulnerability of crops to biotic threats.  

The project targets three counties; Busia, Kisumu and Siaya. 

KALRO agricultural scientist Kizito Kwena said they are targeting to turn waste into wealth by using organic waste to make fertiliser to cure soils and increase productivity.  

“The project aims to use unused bagasse from sugar factories in the three countries as well as straws and rice husks from rice-growing schemes in Ahero, Bunyala and Kano,” he said.  

He added that they will also be targeting 1,000 farmers who will be trained in the production and use of biochar and ICOF.  

“Another 20 farmers, including 10 women will receive entrepreneurial training and three cooperatives will be set up to ensure the sustainability of the project,” Kwena said.  

In addition, the project aims to strengthen the capacity of local research and universities such as ICIPE, KALRO, University of Embu and Koitaleel Samoei University College.  

Nine master's students including seven women will benefit from a scholarship to enhance their skills and enable them to emerge experts on ICOF and biochar and their commercialisation.  

Some 10 Kenyan scientists including five women will receive advanced training on Biofunctool in particular, which is a recognised tool for monitoring soil health and biodiversity.