Irrigation PS Kimotho appointed CETRAD board chairperson

Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho has been appointed Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for Transformative Research and Development (CETRAD) following the institution’s relaunch at the University of Nairobi.

Kimotho’s appointment comes as the research centre renews its partnership with the Government of Kenya, the University of Nairobi and the University of Bern to strengthen research and innovation aimed at addressing community development challenges.

Established in 1976, CETRAD is expected to align its research activities with national development priorities, including the implementation of Kenya’s irrigation sector investment plan.

Speaking during the relaunch, Irrigation Secretary for Land Reclamation, Climate Resilience and Irrigation Water Management Joel Tanui said the State Department for Irrigation was committed to supporting the centre’s mandate.

Tanui, who represented Kimotho at the meeting, said CETRAD would play a critical role in achieving the objectives of the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), the country’s 10-year blueprint for irrigation development.

The relaunch was preceded by a meeting of the Board of Trustees to constitute a new leadership team for the centre, chaired by CETRAD Director Boniface Kiteme.

University of Nairobi representative Prof. Jack Odhiambo reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the partnership, citing the benefits arising from its longstanding collaboration with CETRAD.

Prof. Odhiambo said the university would continue supporting the centre in achieving its objectives through its academic expertise and research capacity.

University of Bern representatives Prof. Thomas Breu and Dr. Theresia Tribaldos also reaffirmed their institution’s commitment to the partnership, which will see it provide academic expertise and research support.

Under the renewed arrangement, the State Department for Irrigation will represent the government and link CETRAD’s research to national policy, while the University of Nairobi will contribute faculty expertise, research facilities and student involvement.

The partnership is expected to strengthen research and innovation initiatives targeting communities in Kenya and the wider region.

Other officials who attended the board meeting included Irrigation Secretary Joel Tanui and Director of Irrigation Water Management Maurice Opondo.