By Nyang’au Araka
Egerton University will host its 16th Biennial International Conference from March 17 to 19, 2026, at the Njoro Campus in Nakuru County.
The conference will bring together scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, farmers and development partners to deliberate on research-driven solutions to global challenges.
The hybrid conference—featuring both physical and virtual participation—will be held under the theme “Empowering Change: Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Global Societies through Agriculture, Education, Science, Technology and Innovation.”
Organizers say the forum seeks to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry and communities while promoting innovations that address emerging social and economic issues.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage said the gathering comes at a time when societies worldwide face complex challenges including climate change, food insecurity and rapid technological change.
“This conference takes place at a time when the world faces complex challenges… Universities are therefore called upon not only to generate knowledge but also to provide practical solutions that improve livelihoods and strengthen community resilience,” Prof. Kibwage said.
He noted that the university, which began as a farm school in 1939, continues to emphasize practical learning and innovation aimed at improving agriculture and community livelihoods.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics, Research and Extension, Prof. Bernard Aduda said the biennial conference reflects the institution’s commitment to research that directly addresses community and industry needs.
“Through innovative teaching approaches, postgraduate training and experiential learning, the university continues to empower students and professionals to become problem-solvers and leaders in their respective fields,” Prof. Aduda said.
The Director of Research and Extension, Prof. George Owuor, said the conference provides a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration among global stakeholders.
“In a rapidly changing world characterized by climate variability, food system transformations and technological advancement, universities must play a central role in generating practical and inclusive solutions,” Prof. Owuor said.
KPC is aware that the conference has attracted 89 research abstracts and papers across six sub-themes including sustainable food systems, biotechnology and climate-smart agriculture, education for national development, health systems and pandemic preparedness, climate change adaptation, and trends in science, technology and engineering.
Dr. Miriam Charimbu, chair of the conference organizing committee, said the event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, exhibitions and research presentations aimed at sharing innovative ideas and practical solutions.
“The conference brings together people from academia, research institutions and industry experts to share experiences and research results and exchange cutting-edge development ideas,” she said.
Among the research papers scheduled for presentation are studies on cybersecurity integration in secondary schools, digital technologies in technical and vocational education, and the role of social influence on students’ adoption of e-learning in Kenyan universities.
Other papers will explore agricultural innovations such as aflatoxin reduction in peanut production, food insecurity among smallholder farmers in Rwanda, and the use of biocontrol agents against potato cyst nematodes.
The conference will also feature keynote addresses from senior government officials including the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research and the Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation.
The forum aims to strengthen partnerships and translate academic research into practical innovations capable of addressing food security, environmental sustainability and economic development across Africa and beyond.