University dons in the country have been challenged by development experts to champion the country's quest for the widely anticipated sustainable development goals by developing comprehensive and deliberate research programmes that will stimulate economic growth.
Speaking during the closure of a 10 day project monitoring and evaluation workshop at a Nakuru hotel on Tuesday, Karatina University Vice Chancellor Prof Muchai Muchiri said universities are key drivers in the country's bid to achieve global goals in the industry and agriculture.
"Universities must help the government through focused research programs to identify pertinent needs of Kenyans and viable opportunities for investment with an aim of ending poverty in its diversity in the country," Prof Muchai said.
The aquaculture expert advised universities to develop agricultural programs that are relevant to the needs of the country and those that will attract global funding as a way of ending hunger among Kenyans in order to achieve the elusive food security while improving nutrition among Kenyans.
"Relevant programmes will provide the farmers profitable niche and eradicate hunger in our country for proper nutrition," he added.
Africa Centers of Excellence programme also funded by the World Bank targets Western and Southern African countries where viable project proposals in agricultural development will also receive USD 8 Million funding each.