Universities celebrate the first University-Industry Day at the National Agriculture Summit 2024

 Delegates at the 1st University-Industry Day during the National Agriculture Summit 2024

The National Agriculture Summit 2024, held from 3rd to 4th July 2024, was the venue for accelerating bold collaboration initiated between agriculture teaching universities in Kenya and the industry. University-Industry Day was observed for the first time during the summit.

With growing pressure on universities to train graduates who are well-equipped, innovative, and fit for the job market, this event highlighted a game-changing approach to align education, research, and market needs. This day was hosted by the Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), in collaboration with the UPLIFT Agriculture Project funded by the European Union. This event marked the formal launch of the University Deans of Agriculture Forum in Kenya.

Why This Event Matters

Despite Kenya’s booming higher education sector, many agriculture graduates struggle to find jobs in self-employment or the formal sector. Why? This is partly due to lack of alignment between academic training and real-world industry needs. In response to this challenge, this event was designed to:

• Showcase how universities are adapting research and curricula for impact
  
  
• Create platforms for co-creation between industry and academia
  
  
• Highlight innovation in action from farm to market
  
  
• Align research agendas with industry priorities
  
  
• Develop collaborative frameworks for knowledge transfer

Key Activities during the University-Industry Day

The University-Industry Day featured:

1. University Showcases: Highlighting programs and activities responding to industry needs.
   
   
2. Industry presentations: Identifying issues and opportunities for research collaborations.
   
   
3. Panel discussions: Focused on strengthening linkages for knowledge-driven agriculture.
   
   
4. Innovation exhibition: Featuring innovations from universities and research bodies.
   
   
5. Funding information forums: Development funding bodies presenting future priorities and funding opportunities.
   
   Recommendations

   To maximize the impact of agricultural training in universities, the following strategies were recommended:

   1. Involve the industry in training and research in the universities.
      
      
   2. Review and revamp the agriculture teaching curriculum to align with industry needs.
      
      
   3. Targeted publicity across agricultural higher education and industry sectors.
      
   4. Mobilization of universities and research organizations to innovate and transfer technologies and knowledge.
      
      
   5. Universities to be more firmly embedded in ongoing initiatives by industry and other stakeholders.
      
      
   6. Strategic contribution to policy developments in the agriculture sector.
      
      
   7. Measures to attract and retain youth in agricultural careers.