The Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Guo Haiyan, has pledged to support research and innovation in Kenya through the Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre (SAJOREC), which is based at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

The Ambassador, on a familiarization visit to SAJOREC and JKUAT, said the Centre stands as a beacon of scientific, technological and cultural exchanges between Nairobi and Beijing. The envoy was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Ali Abdulrazak.

The visit, held on July 23, 2025, brought together the tripartite stakeholders keen on revitalizing the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding between JKUAT and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The parties expressed keen interest in reviewing key aspects of the partnership to reposition the university as a center of excellence in research and innovation for Kenya and the wider region.

Amb. Guo underscored the need for diversified funding models to strengthen scientific research, while calling for more academic and research exchanges between China and Kenya.

Prof. Shaukat lauded the JKUAT-CAS collaboration as a model for South–South cooperation, noting that the fruits of the partnership are evident.

He revealed that the Ministry plans to engage university leaders across the country to establish seed funds for research, with a clear focus on sustainability and commercial viability.

“Our intention is to ensure universities develop ventures that not only advance knowledge but also generate value,” said Prof. Shaukat

Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Robert Kinyua commended the long-standing relationship between Kenya and China, noting that SAJOREC stands as a flagship outcome of sustained bilateral cooperation.

He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to continue driving research and innovation, with SAJOREC serving as a key asset that has benefited both students and faculty.

“SAJOREC continues to be an invaluable asset to JKUAT and the nation. Through it, we have witnessed increased research output by our faculty and collaborators, many addressing critical areas in biodiversity, agriculture, and natural resource conservation,” said Prof. Kinyua.

Since its inception in 2013, the Centre has coordinated more than 48 joint research projects covering biodiversity surveys, plant pathology, geographic and remote‑sensing science, high‑yield crop trials, and land‑and‑water resource management. Efforts in remote sensing and digital agriculture have elevated crop productivity across Kenya, transferring Chinese expertise directly into local fields via the Centre’s modern agricultural demonstration zone.

Prof. Kinyua further highlighted SAJOREC’s role in conserving Kenya’s rich biodiversity, pointing to the centre’s botanical garden, which currently hosts over 500 species of indigenous and exotic plants, as well as a wide range of insects, birds, and small mammals.

SAJOREC has also prioritized human capital: over 160 scientists and senior technicians from 13 African countries have been trained through workshops and seminars, while nearly 150 postgraduate scholarships (most awarded to Kenyan students) have enabled young researchers to pursue master’s and PhD studies, many returning to lead local research upon their graduation

He added that the university will continue to leverage the Centre to nurture local talent, promote international collaboration, and generate science-based solutions for Kenya’s development.

Amb. Guo (left) and Prof. Kinyua confer during her visit to JKUAT 

Amb. Guo presents a publication to Prof. Shaukat as JKUAT Management looks on