University of Nairobi Leads National Shift to Digital Agriculture Education with AgriOPEN Campus
Unveiled this week, the University of Nairobi (UoN) has positioned itself at the forefront of Kenya’s agricultural transformation with the launch of AgriOPEN Campus, a national digital learning platform designed to expand access to accredited agricultural education and entrepreneurship skills across the country.
The initiative, launched at the University’s main campus, reinforces UoN’s role as Kenya’s premier public university in driving policy-relevant research, skills development, and national innovation. The launch followed a five-day intensive workshop held from January 26 to 30, 2026, which brought together government agencies, international partners, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
AgriOPEN formally known as the Campus for Access to Quality Education in Kenya for Agri-Sector Sustainability and Jobs is an international collaboration co-funded by the European Union, with the University of Nairobi serving as the lead national institution steering implementation, academic quality, and coordination.
Speaking on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Human Resource & Administration Prof. John Mande described AgriOPEN as a strategic extension of the University’s mandate to deliver solutions to Kenya’s most pressing challenges.
“Education without borders is now a reality,” Prof. Mande said. “Through Open and Distance Learning, the University of Nairobi is extending its reach to learners across the country, aligning agricultural training with Kenya Vision 2030 and the demands of a modern economy.”
Earlier, the project was officially opened by Prof. Thomas Ochuku, Director of Research at UoN, who emphasized that modern agricultural productivity and food security depend on accessible, high-quality education and innovation.
In her official remarks delivered during the launch, Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson underscored that AgriOPEN reflects the University’s long-standing commitment to translating knowledge into real-world impact.
“The University of Nairobi has consistently championed innovation that responds to climate change, food insecurity, and youth unemployment,” she said.
“AgriOPEN Campus will deliver accredited, competency-based programmes in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship, ensuring that education leads directly to employability and national development.”
She added that the initiative will also retool academic staff, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and enhance the global visibility of Kenyan universities.
As the lead institution, UoN is coordinating a consortium that includes HAMK University of Applied Sciences (Finland) and NHL Stenden University (Netherlands), alongside Kenyan universities and national agencies.
Prof. Leonida Kerubo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise), described the project as a gateway for Kenyan universities to deepen international research collaboration while maintaining local relevance.
“Through AgriOPEN, the University of Nairobi is opening doors for innovation, shared research, and global academic networks that directly benefit Kenyan agriculture,” she noted.
European partners echoed the sentiment, describing the AgriOPEN Campus as a borderless learning environmenttailored to sustainable farming and agribusiness needs in Kenya.
To ensure the credibility of digital qualifications, the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) is working closely with UoN to align all programmes with national standards. Dr. Alice Wairimu Kande, CEO of KNQA, emphasized that accredited qualifications are essential for ensuring digital learning remains relevant in the labour market.
The Ministry of Education, represented by Dr. Gatama Joseph, reaffirmed government support for Open and Distance Learning, noting its potential to reach learners in underserved and remote communities.
Prof. Jeremiah Kalai, Dean of the Faculty of Education, described it as the largest project ever undertaken by the Faculty, aligned with SDG 4 on Quality Education) and SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.
The Faculty of Agriculture also pledged close collaboration to ensure programmes remain practical and industry-driven.
“By opening education to all, we are not just teaching agriculture,” said Prof. Naomi Mwangi, Project Coordinator. “We are cultivating the future of Kenya’s economy.”
The University is anchoring AgriOPEN as a national learning ecosystem, integrating partners such as the Kenya National Farmers Federation (KENAFF) and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA). This approach is designed to ensure training translates into measurable improvements in farming productivity, agribusiness growth, and employment.
