Egerton University has secured a historic victory by winning the bid to host the first-ever International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Regional Research Centre (RRC) in sub-Saharan Africa.
This significant achievement was officially announced following the endorsement of the Kenyan proposal during the 28th Session of the ICGEB Board of Governors held on 17-18 May 2022 in Trieste, Italy. The decision represents the culmination of a rigorous competitive process overseen by the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), solidifying Egerton University’s position as a leading institution in the field of genetic engineering and biotechnology.
Not only does this moment mark a monumental milestone for Egerton University but also signifies a pivotal moment in the advancement of genetic research in Nakuru City which highlights the city’s significance on the African continent. The establishment of the ICGEB RRC at Egerton University is not only a first for sub-Saharan Africa but also the second of its kind globally, following China.
Congratulations to Egerton University on this extraordinary achievement!
Elevating Nakuru’s Research and Tech Profile
The Regional Research Centre (RRC) is set to redefine the contours of genetic engineering and biotechnology on the African continent and will be domiciled at the Egerton facility.
It will specialize in six scientific areas:
- Molecular plant pathology and entomology
- Genetic biofortification
- Molecular plant breeding
- Development of molecular diagnostic tools and their applications
- Bioprospecting for biopesticides and bioactive compounds and
- Food safety
![The International Review Team of scientists performing a on-site review of Egerton Laboratories on 3rd February 2022 [Courtesy Image Egerton University ]](https://naxcity.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img-8073-1024x682.jpg)
According to Egerton University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Isaac Kibwage, the Centre is set to foster ongoing and future cutting-edge research in genetic biofortification (the process of improving the nutritional quality of food crops), development of molecular diagnostic tools and their applications, among others.
A Visit from the Pioneers
In its 22nd session of the ICGEB Board of Governors held in Cape Town in 2016, it was decided to explore the interest of Member Countries in establishing ICGEB- RRC in Africa. Subsequently, during the Annual General Meeting in December 2020, ICGEB Board resolved that Kenya was to host the RRC within its territory. The Director-General NACOSTI was tasked to steer the process of competitively identifying the institution to host the RRC.
The University received positive feedback in May 2021 that led in a site inspection at the Njoro campus on 3rd February 2022.
An International Review Team of scientists from ICGEB led by Dr Lawrence Banks and the Director-General of NACOSTI, Prof. Walter Oyawa visited Egerton University for on-site inspection. The International Review Team were hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, where they met the University Management, the proposal development team, the students, stakeholders and the University community.
In a letter dated 7th March 2022, the Director-General of NACOSTI informed the Vice Chancellor, that Egerton University had been unanimously selected to host the RRC from three institutions that were inspected.
The ICGEB, a venerable intergovernmental and nonprofit research organization, operates 46 cutting-edge laboratories across Italy, New Delhi, India, and Cape Town. Their resounding endorsement of NACOSTI Director-General Walter Oyawa as ICGEB Governor for Kenya underscores the significance of this initiative.
Situated at the Physical Science Complex on Egerton University’s main campus in Njoro, this center is poised to host four state-of-the-art laboratories along with office spaces, providing an ideal environment for groundbreaking research.
Biotechnology: Revolutionizing Agriculture’s Toughest Challenges
The imperative of biotechnology in Kenya cannot be overstated. It stands at the forefront of efforts to bolster food security, streamline industrial processes, and mitigate environmental impact. Prof Isaac Kibwage, the Vice-Chancellor of Egerton University, affirms that biotechnology is the linchpin for a sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
More than 400 researchers hailing from 38 countries presently labor in the hallowed halls of ICGEB laboratories. Their collective pursuit of knowledge transcends borders, embodying the spirit of international cooperation in the realm of genetic engineering and biotechnology.
Steering Nakuru City Towards a Sustainable Future
As we stand on the cusp of a biotechnological renaissance, it is evident that Nakuru’s foray into this realm is not just a commendable milestone but a beacon of hope. The ICGEB-RRC promises to be a harbinger of progress, offering a platform for scientific inquiry, technological innovation, and mentorship for universities across the region.
In conclusion, the establishment of the ICGEB-RRC at Egerton University is a testament to the unwavering commitment to scientific advancement. It heralds a new era of possibilities, where biotechnology will serve as the linchpin for sustainable development, not only in Kenya but across the African continent. Together, we embark on a journey towards a future defined by innovation, collaboration, and progress.
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