University of Kabianga Hosted the 25th Horticultural Association of Kenya (HAK) Annual Conference
The University of Kabianga proudly hosted the 25th Horticultural Association of Kenya (HAK) Annual Conference from 24th to 27th November 2025. The event brought together scholars, innovators, farmers, students, and industry leaders to explore advancements in horticulture.
Guided by the theme “Driving Climate-Smart Horticulture through Innovation and Agribusiness,” the four-day conference highlighted the critical role of technology, research, and enterprise in transforming Kenya’s horticultural sector for enhanced productivity and climate resilience.
The program was structured to blend practical training, scientific presentations, and industry engagement:
Day 1: Farmers’ and Students’ Training — 24th November 2025
The conference opened with specialized training sessions for farmers and students. These hands-on workshops focused on climate-smart kitchen gardening, value addition, and agribusiness models, equipping participants with adoptable technologies and business frameworks for sustainable horticultural production.
Day 2: Official Opening & Scientific Plenary Sessions — 25th November 2025
Day two featured the official opening ceremony, graced by university leadership, HAK officials, and county government representatives. A series of keynote addresses followed, offering insights into innovation trends, biotechnology advancements, and climate-smart solutions in the horticulture industry.
Poster-pitch sessions were interwoven between plenary presentations, providing space for interactive dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Day 3: Field Excursions — 26th November 2025
Participants visited selected farms to observe practical applications of horticultural technologies and climate-smart interventions. The day concluded with a networking cocktail, fostering collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and industry partners.
Day 4: Scientific Paper and Poster Presentations — 27th November 2025
The final day showcased academic excellence through oral and poster presentations. Researchers shared findings across diverse thematic areas, including crop improvement, crop protection, postharvest handling, biotechnology, environmental management, and the social sciences.
The conference attracted over 70 research submissions from universities, research institutions, and industry experts. These contributions reflected Kenya’s strong commitment to sustainable horticulture, offering solutions aimed at improving food quality, strengthening value chains, and enhancing climate resilience.
The wide range of research presented underscored the multidisciplinary nature of horticultural innovation—from biotechnology breakthroughs to community-centered agribusiness strategies.
The 25th HAK Conference served as a vital platform for sharing innovations, building partnerships, and shaping the future of horticulture in Kenya. By integrating training, research, and experiential learning, the University of Kabianga reaffirmed its dedication to advancing agricultural knowledge and empowering stakeholders across the horticultural value chain.