NAKURU, Kenya Mar 24 – Egerton University is continuing to align its research agenda with Kenya’s development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Kibwage has said.Speaking during the 16th Biennial International Conference at the university’s main campus in Njoro, Prof Kibwage emphasized that research remains central to the institution’s identity as a leader in agriculture, education, health sciences, engineering, and social sciences.Prof Kibwage noted that Egerton researchers are driving innovations in climate-smart agriculture, improving crop varieties and seed systems, enhancing livestock productivity, and strengthening food safety and nutrition.“Through research, we are developing evidence-based policy recommendations for sustainable land and water management,” he said.He added that the university’s conservation initiatives, including ecosystem restoration, demonstrate how research translates into tangible ecological and community impact.The Vice Chancellor highlighted the urgency of addressing global challenges such as climate change, food and nutrition insecurity, technological disruption, and socio-economic inequality through integrated, research-driven solutions.“These challenges are interconnected, and solutions can only be achieved through research,” he said.The event was attended by Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Science, Research and Innovation.The three-day conference, themed “Empowering Change: Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Societies through Agriculture, Education, Science, Technology and Innovation,” has brought together researchers from across Africa, alongside participants from Europe and the United States.A total of 147 research papers are being presented across key sub-themes, including Climate change and natural resources, Engineering and technology, Health sciences, Agriculture and food systems.Prof George Owuor, Director of Research and Extension at Egerton University, said the conference is addressing critical issues aligned with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).“We are focusing from the bottom to the top of the pyramid by bringing together farmers, industry players, scientists, and policymakers,” he said.He noted that universities are increasingly collaborating to ensure research and innovations reach communities and have practical impact.Prof Owuor emphasized the need to transition farmers from subsistence to commercial agriculture, noting that limited access to credit remains a major challenge.“There is need to ensure that farmers commercialise their trade and access finance,” he said.He added that financial institutions participating in the conference are offering climate-oriented financing solutions, including loans that do not require title deeds as collateral. Some models rely on collective responsibility to enable farmers and agribusinesses access funding, boosting food production and incomes.The conference also features exhibitions across food systems, science, and innovation, including student-led projects. Learners from junior secondary schools, senior schools, and colleges are being encouraged to innovate and contribute to Africa’s transformation.“Young people must be part of the change and innovation that Africa requires,” Owuor said.