NAIROBI, Kenya – Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho has been appointed Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for Transformative Research and Development (CETRAD), as the institution renews its partnership with the Government of Kenya and two universities to strengthen research and development.
The appointment was announced during CETRAD’s relaunch at the University of Nairobi, bringing together representatives from the State Department for Irrigation, the University of Nairobi and the University of Bern in Switzerland.
The renewed partnership is expected to link research more closely to Kenya’s development priorities, particularly irrigation, water management and community development.
Kimotho’s appointment comes as the government advances the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), a 10-year framework intended to guide investment and development in the irrigation sector.
Speaking at the meeting, Secretary for Land Reclamation, Climate Resilience and Irrigation Water Management Joel Tanui, who represented Kimotho, reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to supporting CETRAD’s mandate.
Tanui said the centre could play a significant role in advancing NISIP’s objectives by helping connect research with the practical needs of communities and the priorities of the irrigation sector.
The board meeting, which preceded the relaunch, was chaired by CETRAD Director Boniface Kiteme as the institution constituted its new leadership team.
University of Nairobi representative Prof. Jack Odhiambo reaffirmed the university’s commitment to the partnership, saying it would continue contributing academic expertise and research capacity to support the centre’s objectives.
The University of Bern also pledged continued collaboration, with representatives Prof. Thomas Breu and Dr. Theresia Tribaldos reaffirming their institution’s commitment to providing academic expertise and research support.
Under the renewed arrangement, the State Department for Irrigation will represent the government and help align CETRAD’s research with national policy. The University of Nairobi will contribute faculty expertise, research facilities and student participation, while the University of Bern will provide academic and research support.
CETRAD’s work is expected to support evidence-based approaches to development challenges in Kenya and the wider region.
Established in 1976 through the Laikipia Research Programme, the institution has a history of research linked to sustainable development and resource management. Its published research areas include land use, natural resource management, livelihoods and development in arid and semi-arid lands.
Other officials who attended the board meeting included Tanui and Director of Irrigation Water Management Maurice Opondo.
