Nairobi, August 15, 2025 – Yesterday, August 14, 2025, marked a momentous milestone for Kenya’s agricultural future with the official opening of the Kantaria Agricultural Technology and Innovation Centre (KATIC) at the University of Nairobi’s College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Kabete. The historic event was graced by First Lady Rachel Ruto, who presided over the ceremony attended by thousands of guests from across the nation.
Mama Ruto remarked at the event: “We take immense pride in this collaborative endeavour. This centre will serve as a catalyst for the positive results we envision,” further noting, “it will empower youth, encourage innovation, and position agriculture as an exciting and viable career option for future generations”
The state of the art facility, built at a cost of Ksh 80 million, is generously sponsored by Elgon Kenya in memory of the late Chairman, Rajinkant Kantaria, solidifying the Kantaria family’s 125 year legacy in Kenyan agriculture—dating back to their forebears’ arrival in Kenya in 1898. As Dr. Bimal Kantaria, Managing Director, poignantly declared, “This is a gift for my late father.”
Elgon Kenya Communications Manager Nelson Maina appreciated his employer for the milestone. “On behalf of Elgon Kenya, management expresses deepest appreciation to the Kantaria–Elgon family—Bimal, Baiju, Leena and their fifth generation kin—as well as the extended Kantaria family, for their vision, dedication and generosity in bringing this dream to fruition. A special tribute is owed to all Elgon Kenya staff, both those present at the event and those who supported it behind the scenes. Your contributions—no matter the role—are deeply valued, ensuring this is a victory shared by all”, he added.
The opening was broadcast live on KBC and NTV, amplifying its national impact. The distinguished guest list included Cabinet Secretary Hon. Salim Mvurya, Principal Secretaries Dr. Paul Rono and Dr. Esther Muoria, members of the diplomatic corps, UoN Council Chair Prof. Chacha Nyaigoti Chacha , senior administrator Prof. John Kimenju, students of the university and the Kenya Agriculture Students Association among other invited guests.
Prof. Chacha Nyaigoti Chacha hailed the centre as “a milestone in the history of agriculture, bringing together academia, industry and research to incubate innovations for commercialization and provide practical training for agriculture graduates to meet industry needs.”
During the ceremony, Dr. Bimal Kantaria issued a call for strategic partnerships to develop the 23 acre centre into an agricultural Special Economic Zone (SEZ)—a bold vision to propel Kenya into a leadership position in agritech innovation.
The presence of foreign missions from India, China, Israel, Switzerland, and France underscored the global development partners’ keen interest in supporting the facility’s growth and impact.
With the opening of KATIC, Kenya joins a prestigious league of nations operating centres of agricultural excellence. Consider the Netherlands’ Golden Triangle, a cluster integrating research, demonstration farms, and commercialization sites to drive agri innovation; and Israel’s Mashav, which delivers global agricultural training and technology transfer programs to developing countries—solidifying Israel’s reputation as a global leader in agritech. Such institutions bridge research, practical application, and commercialization, positioning their nations at the forefront of agricultural science and international collaboration.
Similarly, KATIC is poised to become Kenya’s premier hub for experiential learning, research, and agri innovation—empowering youth, elevating commercial viability, and bolstering global competitiveness.