UoK Launches South Rift Agro-Industrial Hub to Transform Regional Farming

On Monday, 17th August 2026, University of Kabianga (UoK) brought together leaders from government, academia, research and industry to advance its vision of becoming the Hub for the South Rift Agro-Industrial Growth Platform.

The initiative focused on strengthening key value chains particularly tea and avocado, through value addition, modern technology, reduced post-harvest losses and stronger links to high-value markets.

A key focus is the establishment of an ultra-modern Avocado Processing and Logistics Hub, alongside the Lipton Tea Innovation & Technology Academy (LTITA), which is advancing AI-driven precision farming, climate-resilient agriculture, drones and soil analytics.

With support from partners including Oxford University, Cranfield University, CIFOR, KEFRI, KTDA and County Governments,  the University's School of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources will host the Secretariat and lead applied research and innovation to drive agro-industrial development across the South Rift.

The project seeks to turn agricultural potential into value, jobs, enterprise opportunities and sustainable economic growth for the region.