Tharaka University (TUN) today hosted a delegation from the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), led by Joshua Musau, Senior Research Technician in Forest and Tree Nursery Research. The delegation was received by Prof. Veronica Nyaga,Ph.D, DVC, ARSA, on behalf of the TUN Vice Chancellor/CEO, Prof. Peter K. Muriungi, Ph.D., ahead of a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration in research and environmental conservation.
The meeting marked a significant milestone in advancing sustainable environmental practices, with a focus on the conservation and propagation of Tamarindus indica (tamarind tree). The initiative highlights the University’s commitment to impactful research addressing ecological sustainability, as well as the nutritional, medicinal, and economic value of the species, locally known as Mkwaju and Muthithi.
Key outcomes of the engagement included plans to establish a field gene bank at Tharaka University as part of an ongoing project involving over 200 families of tamarind. Notably, the University committed to allocating a piece of land for the project, a move that was highly commended by the CIFOR-ICRAF delegation as a major step towards successful implementation. The partnership will also support capacity building, student internships, equipment sharing, and curriculum development, with both parties expressing readiness to formalize the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Present during the meeting were: TUN, Dr. Collins Sitienei, Director Linkages and Partnerships, Dr. Urbanus Ndolo, Director, Resource Mobilization and University Advancement, Dr. Alex Muthengi, Director, Research and Publications, and Dr. Marciano Mutiga, Dean FLIN, who reiterated the importance of the initiative and its long-term benefits to research, conservation, and community livelihoods.
Tharaka University continues to strengthen its position as a hub for research, innovation, and strategic partnerships. Stay connected with us for more updates on transformative collaborations and opportunities.
