NRF Showcases Research Impact at the LREB Regional Climate Change & Agri-Expo 2025
The National Research Fund (NRF) supported and participated in the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) Regional Climate Change Summit & Agri-Expo 2025, held from 15th to 17th October 2025 at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kakamega. The event, themed “Investing in Climate Solutions: Finance, Innovation, and Action,” brought together researchers, innovators, policy makers, county governments, development partners, and industry representatives for a national conversation on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable technologies, and regional climate resilience. Over the three days, the Expo provided a rich platform for exchanging insights, sharing innovations, and highlighting the crucial role of research in addressing Kenya’s climate and agricultural challenges.
NRF’s involvement in the Expo aligned directly with its mandate to fund, support, and promote high-quality research and innovation in Kenya. Through its participation, the Fund strengthened its engagement with universities, innovators, county officials, and private sector actors, creating opportunities for collaboration in climate resilience, agricultural productivity, and sustainable development. These interactions emphasized the demand for research-backed solutions that can effectively respond to the region’s evolving climate realities.
A notable feature of NRF’s participation was the showcasing of projects funded by the Fund. Researchers exhibited innovations demonstrating how publicly supported research is informing practical interventions in climate adaptation, environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and technology adoption. Their work illustrated the transformative power of research in improving livelihoods and supporting national development priorities. These showcases offered clear evidence of the value of public investment in research, reaffirming NRF’s role in catalyzing knowledge-driven solutions with real-world impact.
The Expo further enabled NRF to build and strengthen relationships with county governments, youth innovators, development partners, and industry representatives working in climate-smart technologies. Discussions held during the event opened pathways for future collaboration, capacity-building opportunities, and the potential for co-funding partnerships that can advance climate research and innovation within the region. These engagements underscored the importance of aligning research outputs with regional development needs to ensure that communities benefit fully from scientific advancements.
Looking ahead, NRF remains committed to sustaining the momentum created during the LREB Regional Climate Change Summit & Agri-Expo. The Fund will continue deepening partnerships, enhancing awareness of its funding opportunities, and promoting the translation of research into policy and practice. Through ongoing collaboration with regional blocs, institutions, and innovators, NRF aims to support research that strengthens climate resilience, transforms livelihoods, and contributes meaningfully to Kenya’s sustainable development goals.
