Funded Projects
Value-added camel milk products for food security in arid and semi-arid areas
Country: Kenya
Location: Arid and Semi-Arid Areas of Northern kenya
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Prof Arimi Joshua Mbaabu of Meru University of Science and Technology - Co-Principal Investigator:
Prof. Levi Musalia of Tharaka University
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2018/2019
Amount Funded: KES 19,049,400.
Place to Purchase: Merti
Status: On-going
Impact
The initiative focuses on improving camel milk production and developing innovative value-added products
Smallholder Farmers Access to Improved Cattle Genetics in Kenya: An Accelerated Dairy Heifers Delivery Model Utilizing Reproductive Technologies (Sahiwal Breed)
Country: Kenya
County: Narok Country
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Dr. Samuel Mbuku
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2018/2019
Amount Funded: KES. 9,120,000
Status: Completed
Impact
The unprecedented surge in demand for AI technology will ultimately lead to increase in numbers of superior Sahiwal genetics – high quality semen, heifers, bulls.
Increase in Production of Milk,Beef, and Leather.
Sorghum Seed Production and sorghum flour
Country: Kenya
Location: Marginalized Areas
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Dr. Catherine Muui
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2018/2019
Amount Funded: KES. 9,120,000
Status: Completed
Impact
Addresses food security in Marginalized Areas.
Enhancing performance of Macadamia value chain for improved productivity, incomes and employment in Kenya
Country: Kenya
County: Narok Country
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Dr. Muo Kasino
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2018/2019
Amount Funded:KES 13,481,660
Status: Completed
Objectives
- New macadamia varieties are ready for commercialization
- Improve access of quality Macadamia planting materials
- To develop and promote the best marketing system for farmers
Integrated CHIA and Oyster mushroom system for Sustainable food value chain in Africa
Country: Kenya
County: Nyeri Country
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Dr. Monica Mburu
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2022
Amount Funded: KES. 9,600,000
Status: Completed
Impact
The initiative also integrated chia with oyster mushroom farming to promote circular farming.
The project reached over 1,000 farmers, most of whom were women, and laid the foundation for long-term research and commercialization efforts at the university.
Assessment of selected Rice Varieties for smallholder farming systems in the wetlands and highlands of Taita Taveta County
Country: Kenya
County: Taita Taveta Country
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Prof. Marrianne Maghenda
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2017
Amount Funded: KES.14,537,000
Status: Completed
Impact
Enhance food security and farmer resilience in Taita Taveta County by evaluating 34 rice varieties suitable for both upland and wetland systems.
Formulation and promotion of value-added purple tea (camelia sinensis) products in Kenya.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Mary Muchiri
Funded by the National Research Fund, Karatina University’s Tea Institute has developed nutritious purple tea products—spiced tea lemonades, probiotic yoghurt, and cakes—highly rated for taste, aroma, and health benefits like obesity control and antioxidant activity. Ongoing research includes youth-focused products like sports drinks, fruity fermented teas, and iced teas.
Capacity building for job creation and growth of leather goods and footwear manufacturing enterprises in Kenya
Country: Kenya
County: Nyeri Country
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Dr. Paul Tanui
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2018/2019
Amount Funded:KES. 2,995,149
Status: Completed
Impact
- The project focused on improving craftsmanship, product quality, and value addition through a structured training-of-trainers (TOT) approach, hands-on fabrication sessions, and market-linked innovation.
An integrated approach to advanced research on locally developed and safe genetically modified foods
Country: Kenya
County: Trans-Nzoia County
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Prof. Richard Oduor
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2018/2019
Amount Funded:KES.11,623,500
Status: Completed
Impact
Lower production costs: Less spending on pesticides and labor.
Higher profit margins: More marketable crops due to fewer losses and better-quality harvests.
- Stable production: Helps maintain yields despite pest pressures or climate variability.
Infrastructure Projects
Promoting awareness and participation of PWSD in Education and other community-based programs Siaya County, Kenya
Country: Kenya
County: Siaya County
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Dr. Charles Omoke - Co-Principal Investigator:
Prof. Onderi - Member: Dr Ruth Otieno
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2018/2019
Amount Funded: KES.18,583,030
Status: On-going
Impact
Enabled increased access to education for learners with visual impairments and intellectual disabilities.
Competence network for e- inclusion and assistive technologies a (CNEAT)
Country: Kenya
Location: Meru, Isiolo,Laikipia
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Prof Guyo Sarr of University of Science and Technology - Co-Principal Investigator: Dr Chege
- Member: Dr Dorothy Mbaabu
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2018/2019
Amount Funded: KES.15,949,345
Impact
- Shift in perception among university students and local communities regarding disability.
- The initiative has helped reduce stigma, improved learning outcomes, and empowered learners with disabilities to express themselves and acquire digital literacy
.
Infrastructure grant- Pwani University Bioscience Research Center
Country: Kenya
County:Kilifi
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Prof Simon Muriu - Co-Principal Investigator:
Dr. Sammy Wambua
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2018/2019
Amount Funded: KES. 45,165,418
Status: On-going
Impact
The project was designed to transform the institution into a regional center of excellence in biosciences by upgrading its research infrastructure
ICT Research Hub, Kibabii University
Country: Kenya
County:Bungoma
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Dr. Barasa
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2018/2019
Amount Funded: KES.64,600,000
Status: Completed
Impact
- Aimed at establishing itself as a regional center of excellence in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research, innovation, and training.
Biotechnology Lab for Crop Production
Country: Kenya
County: Busia
Source of Funding: National Research Fund Kenya (NRF)
Research Team:
- Principal Investigator:
Dr. Paul Njogu
- Principal Investigator:
Year of Award: 2017
Amount Funded:KES.12,731,402
Status: Completed
Impact
- It has emerged as a regional model for integrating research, teaching, and community outreach in plant biotechnology.
