The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) has entered into agreements with four research institutions in Kenya to help develop world-class scientific collaborations between the UK and Kenya.
CEH signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) this week with four national institutions: the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO); the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI); the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI); and the National Museums of Kenya (NMK).
The partnerships – which build on CEH’s existing work in Kenya - will involve joint research projects and publications, sharing information and resources, plus exchange visits and lectures.
CEH Director Prof Mark Bailey, along with Prof Alan Jenkins, Deputy Director and Water & Pollution Science Director, and Dr Stephen Cavers, CEH’s Group Leader for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Change, have been in Nairobi this week to meet Kenyan scientists and officials, to initiate new collaborations and develop potential research areas.
Further meetings were held with representatives of Africa Biosystems Ltd, development and information organisation CABI, the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Agroforestry Centre, the Kenya Meteorological Department and the Department for International Development at the British High Commission.
Prof Bailey said, “The meetings have all indicated the desire for collaboration and have identified key research requirements around catchment management, ecosystem services and agro-forestry systems.”
The MoUs with KALRO, KEFRI KMFRI and NMK were signed by Prof Bailey, on behalf of CEH, and representatives of the four respective Kenyan authorities. They build on existing work under the CEH NC-ODA SUNRISE programme, which involves research into better management of land and water resources in Kenya and other sub-Saharan Africa countries, as well as parts of Asia.
“The meetings have all indicated the desire for collaboration and have identified key research requirements around catchment management, ecosystem services and agro-forestry systems.” Prof Mark Bailey, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
The CEH representatives were accompanied in Kenya by Dr Jon Mangion, of Thermo Fisher Scientific, to emphasise the potential for partnerships with private companies, including an environmental diagnostics centre. This would provide appropriate analytical facilities and training within a broader research framework.
Additional information
KALRO works to promote, streamline, co-ordinate and regulate research in crops, livestock, genetic resources and biotechnology in Kenya.
KEFRI undertakes research in forestry and allied natural resources.
KMFRI carries out marine and freshwater research to provide scientific information for sustainable management and conservation.
NMK’s role is to preserve Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage to promote knowledge and appreciation of these resources, including the conservation of the biological diversity of East Africa and the world generally.
Thermo Fisher Scientific is a multinational biotechnology product development company with revenues of more than $20bn and about 65,000 employees.
