The National Research Fund (NRF) Research Festival 2025, running from 18th to 22nd August 2025, has brought together some of the most dynamic minds and transformative innovations from across Kenya and beyond. This year’s festival, anchored on the theme “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, empowering Communities through Research, Science, Technology, and Innovation”, highlights the critical role of research in shaping sustainable solutions for society.
The University of Nairobi (UoN), through the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise), has mobilized an outstanding group of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to present research papers, posters, and innovations that showcase the institution’s central role in Kenya’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Notable Exhibitions from the University of Nairobi
Among the standout showcases from UoN include:
- Pera Foods (Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture)
A vibrant startup born out of research, Pera Foods is redefining nutrition and wellness through value addition of local produce. Their flagship products include dawa mix, seamoss health drinks, fruit wines, and whole fruit juices—delivering healthier lifestyle choices while also strengthening Kenya’s agri-food innovation value chain.
- Essential & Carrier Oils Unit (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science & Technology)
A hub of innovation in natural products, this unit is showcasing a diverse range of oils including eucalyptus, cedar wood, cypress, lavender, rosemary, frankincense, cinnamon, peppermint, lemongrass, tea tree, avocado, castor seed, jojoba, wheat germ, rosehip, and bespoke blends such as hair growth oil and aftershave oil. These innovations not only drive research commercialization but also position Kenya as a player in the fast-growing global essential oils market.
- Circular Economy Innovation (Prof. Emeritus Richard K. Mibey)
In a remarkable demonstration of turning challenges into opportunities, Prof. Mibey presents an innovation on transforming invasive plant parasites into valuable products for the circular economy. This cutting-edge research reimagines environmental threats as avenues for sustainable livelihoods.
Research Papers and Poster Presentations
UoN researchers are also making a strong contribution to scholarly discourse with papers and posters addressing pressing global and regional challenges:
- Strengthening Water Access and Quality in Selected African Countries – exploring sustainable water solutions critical to health and livelihoods.
- Simulating Climate Change Impact on Irrigated Agriculture (Nyando, Kenya & Asa, Nigeria) – advancing climate adaptation strategies to secure food systems.
- Tackling Firm-Level Awareness Barriers to AfCFTA Adoption in Kenya – providing evidence-based insights to unlock trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Driving Research from Discovery to Impact
The University of Nairobi’s participation at the NRF Research Festival 2025 underscores its commitment to translating research into tangible impact. By linking academia with industry, and ideas with markets, the institution is driving Kenya’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy.
Through these exhibitions, papers, and posters, UoN researchers are not just generating knowledge—they are reshaping industries, fostering healthier societies, and opening up new frontiers of opportunity for Kenya and Africa.
As the NRF Research Festival continues to unfold, the University of Nairobi proudly stands as a beacon of innovation and research excellence, turning discovery into meaningful impact.
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