Kajiado County Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has announced a new partnership between the county government and UMMA University that will see the institution granted access to county-owned demonstration farms.
The move is aimed at advancing livestock research and innovation, with the farms serving as practical sites for scientific study, student training, and agricultural development. Governor Lenku made the announcement during the launch of the Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait Complex at UMMA University, where he emphasized the importance of aligning academic expertise with county development priorities.
We are offering our demo farms to UMMA University so that they can assist us in re-engineering our livestock systems through research and innovation. Lenku said
The demonstration farms, which have long been used for agricultural extension and livestock improvement, will now be integrated into UMMA University’s research programs. This collaboration is expected to support breed enhancement, sustainable grazing techniques, and the development of climate-resilient livestock systems.
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By opening up these facilities to the university, the county aims to foster a new generation of agri-scientists and practitioners equipped to tackle emerging challenges in the livestock sector.
Governor Lenku noted that the partnership reflects the county’s commitment to modernizing pastoral practices. While traditional nomadic herding remains central to the region’s identity, there is growing interest in structured, land-based livestock systems that combine indigenous knowledge with scientific innovation.
This evolving approach often referred to as modulated pastoralism, requires dedicated land, technical input, and institutional support, all of which the county hopes to provide through its collaboration with UMMA University.
The announcement was welcomed by university officials and stakeholders who praised the initiative as a timely investment in research-driven development.
By Masaki Enock
