Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for Transformative Research and Development (CETRAD) as the institution begins a new phase of research and development.
Kimotho was appointed during CETRAD’s relaunch at the University of Nairobi on Wednesday, October 28, bringing together the Government of Kenya, the University of Nairobi and the University of Bern in Switzerland.
The renewed partnership is expected to strengthen research and innovation, with the State Department for Irrigation linking the centre’s work to the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), the government’s blueprint for the sector over the next 10 years.
Irrigation Secretary Joel Tanui, who represented Kimotho during the meeting, said the department was committed to supporting CETRAD’s mandate and highlighted its potential role in advancing the national irrigation plan.
The partnership comes as Kenya seeks to strengthen irrigation development, with research expected to help inform decisions on water management, agricultural productivity and sustainable use of natural resources.
Under the arrangement, the State Department for Irrigation will link CETRAD’s work to national policies, while the University of Bern will provide academic expertise and research support. The University of Nairobi will contribute faculty expertise, research facilities and student involvement.
Prof. Jack Odhiambo, who represented the University of Nairobi’s Vice-Chancellor, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the partnership, citing the benefits of its longstanding collaboration with CETRAD.
Prof. Thomas Breu of the University of Bern also reaffirmed the Swiss institution’s commitment to the collaboration, which is expected to support research and development in Kenya and the wider region.
The relaunch was preceded by a meeting to constitute a new Board of Trustees, chaired by CETRAD Director Boniface Kiteme. Other officials present included Dr Theresia Tribaldos of the University of Bern and Maurice Opondo, Director of Irrigation Water Management.
CETRAD’s renewed leadership is expected to guide the institution’s work as the three partners seek to connect research with government policy and community development.
