Kenyatta University continues to cement its role as a premier hub for technological transformation, recently hosting a high-level demonstration of Agrilo, an innovative precision agriculture solution designed to revolutionize smallholder farming.
The Chairperson of the University Council, Prof. Clara Momanyi, Ph.D., EBS, alongside Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Finance) Prof. Paul Okemo, received Prof. Mohammed Elmorsy from Canada’s MacEwan University for a live technical showcase of the system.
Agrilo: STEM Solutions for the Modern Farmer
Developed by Prof. Elmorsy’s research group, Agrilo is an affordable, data-driven platform built to bridge the gap between high-tech farming and resource-constrained communities. The system integrates advanced Applied STEM tools to provide real-time insights that were previously inaccessible to many local farmers.
Key features of the Agrilo system include:
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Soil Condition Monitoring: High-precision sensors track moisture and nutrient levels.
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Optimized Irrigation: Automated data analytics ensure water is used only when and where it is needed.
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Enhanced Yields: By monitoring crop health in real-time, the system helps farmers increase output while significantly reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
“Agrilo represents exactly the kind of practical, scalable technology that can transform the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who have traditionally been locked out of high-cost agricultural tech,” noted the leadership during the demonstration.
Strategic Alignment and Global Collaboration
The engagement is a direct reflection of Kenyatta University’s Vision and Strategic Plan (2023–2027), which places a heavy premium on Research, Innovation, and Outreach (RIO). The goal is simple: translate academic research into tangible solutions for societal challenges.
The event also served as a collaborative forum, bringing together academic leaders from across the region to discuss technology transfer and the scaling of STEM-driven agricultural ecosystems.
Notable attendees included:
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Prof. Bosire Monari Mwebi (Chairman of Council, University of Kabianga)
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Prof. Joseph Ngeranwa (Acting DVC, RIO, Kenyatta University)
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Prof. Maina Mwangi (Executive Dean, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences)
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Prof. Lucy Kathuri-Ogola (Director, Centre for International Programmes)
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Prof. Willis Ambusso (Registrar, RIO)
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Representatives from the University of Kabianga, including Dr. Millicent Otiende and Prof. Peter Kirma Kipkosgei.
Beyond the demonstration, the discussions explored formalizing partnerships for long-term collaboration between Kenyatta University and MacEwan University. By focusing on affordable innovation, KU is ensuring that the “Future of Farming” is not just efficient, but inclusive.