PS Science Research and Innovation Abdulrazak Shaukat, French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, and UoN associate dean, faculty of innovation, Prof Catherine Kunyanga, during a cocktail reception at the French Embassy in Nairobi on November 14, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDY
A new regional partnership aimed at advancing agricultural research in East Africa has been launched by two French public research institutes, CIRAD (the French Agricultural Research and Cooperation Organisation) and IRD (the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development).
The initiative brings together higher education institutions, universities, and research organisations from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.
Speaking at the launch event, French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, highlighted the role of French organisations in supporting research in the region.
“This reception reflects the important contributions French research organisations are making to the research environment in Kenya and the broader Rift Valley region,” he said.
Ambassador Suquet emphasised the TRACE partnership, which focuses on improving agriculture while considering animal health, crop management, and ecosystem sustainability.
“TRACE’s member organisations are working towards the agro-ecological transition, an area of growing importance given demographic, climatic, and political changes. The joint efforts of TRACE members within this partnership aim to support farming communities in this region,” he added.
Prof. Catherine Kunyanga, Associate Dean at the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Agriculture, underlined the need for collaboration between research institutions and professional agricultural organisations.
“Kenya faces challenges in producing sufficient food for its growing population. Transforming agriculture to be more resilient and sustainable is essential, particularly as the youth population increases,” she said.
Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, Principal Secretary for Science, Research, and Innovation, welcomed the collaboration between research organisations and universities. “The partnership with Kenyan institutions, including the University of Nairobi, will create a hub for innovation and knowledge exchange. Discussions have covered topics such as the blue economy, circular economy, and green economy,” he said.
The launch, hosted at the French Residence in Nairobi, brought together representatives from research institutions across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Participants included stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including KALRO, CIRAD, ICIPE, CGIAR organisations, and Kenyan universities.
The partnership seeks to strengthen the capacity of member institutions to develop high-impact regional research and development projects in collaboration with producer organisations and civil society. It is supported by European Horizon Europe funding.
