Chuka University and Tharaka Nithi County Government Forge Alliance for Agricultural and Industrial Advancement

Chuka University has entered into a strategic partnership with the Tharaka Nithi County Government to establish a County Aggregation and Industrial Park. This collaborative initiative aims to unlock the economic potential of Tharaka Nithi County, fostering growth and viability in the agricultural sector. 

 

Speaking during the Memorandum of Understanding signing-in ceremony on 20th December, 2023, H.E. the Governor of Tharaka Nithi County Hon. Onesmus Muthomi Njuki thanked the Chuka University Management for the community engagement initiative to support the County and National government agenda on transforming Kenya into an Industrialized Middle-income country offering a high quality of life to all citizens. Hon. Njuki further emphasized that the upcoming Industrial Park is aimed at growing manufacturing and investments through Agro-Industries and sustainably enhancing the productivity of the agriculture sector hence creating inclusive decent jobs, increase farmers’ income, and increase foreign exchange. 

 

In his remarks, Chuka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Mutembei affirmed that the established partnership is envisaged to act as a springboard for the growth and viability of farmers’ products in the Agricultural sector. Prof. Mutembei stated that Chuka University is ready to work with like-minded stakeholders who will support and drive the university, county, and national government’s agenda. The 100-acre County Aggregation and Industrial Park, which is situated on Chuka University’s 500-acre Kairini farm, will feature state-of-the-art cold storage and value-addition facilities that will spur research and economic growth as well as boost food security. These facilities are envisaged to support farmers in maximizing their earnings, particularly in the cultivation of bananas, avocados, mangoes, and vegetables. 

 

The project marks a significant step toward the shared goal of promoting agro-industrial development by providing a platform for sharing public resources and collaboration among farmers, processors, exporters, research institutions, industrial bodies, and the government. Governor Njuki and Prof. Mutembei agreed to advance collaboration on environmental conservation and sustainability programmes, and public health through capacity building and research among many other areas. 

L-R (Sitting): Prof. Henry Mutembei, Hon. Muthomi Njuki, Prof. David Serrem and Hon. Wilson Nyaga signing the MOUs.

L-R: Hon. Muthomi Njuki and Prof. Henry Mutembei exchange the MOUs

His Excellency Hon. Muthomi Njuki, Governor Tharaka Nithi County (sitting), signs the visitor’s book in the presence of  (L-R) Prof. David Serrem OGW, Chairman of Council Chuka University, Prof. Henry Mutembei, Vice-Chancellor Chuka University, Prof. Eunice Githae, DVC AFP&D, Hon. Godfrey Murithi, MCA Karingani Ward, Hon. Wilson Nyaga, Deputy Governor Tharaka Nithi County, Hon. John Mbaabu, County Assembly Speaker and Prof. Gilbert Nduru, DVC ARSA.