Cranfield University and Industry Partners Visit University of Kabianga Ahead of Climate-Smart Tea Workshop

On Friday, 11th September, 2026, University of Kabianga hosted Prof. Paul Burgess and Mr. Thomas Smith from Cranfield University, accompanied by Mr. Gabriel Tuwei, Head of Research & Development and Ms. Grace Wanyoike, Agronomist, of Browns Plantations East Africa.

The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Koech (PhD; MBS), accompanied by Prof. Maurice Oduor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning, Research & Development, before proceeding to the School of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

At the School, the team was received by Dr. Thomas Matonyei, who represented Prof. Peter Sirma, Dean, alongside Mr. Jack Ronge, Director, Lipton Tea Innovation and Technology Academy (LTITA) and Dr. Noah Kibet, LTITA Coordinator.

Discussions focused on ongoing research into greenhouse gas emissions in tea production, with emphasis on reliable data to support sustainable and climate-smart practices.

The visit comes ahead of the “Towards a Common Greenhouse Gas Assessment in Tea” workshop, scheduled for 14th-15th September, 2026 at the International Training Centre (ITC), Browns Plantations East Africa, Kericho. The workshop will include a practical session on the Cool Farm Tool for assessing greenhouse gas emissions from tea production.

The collaboration involves Cranfield University, LTITA, Lipton Teas and Infusions, Co-Regen, the University of the West of Scotland and Browns Plantations, with support from the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Through these partnerships, University of Kabianga continues to strengthen research, innovation and knowledge exchange in support of a more sustainable tea sector.