MMUST and West Kenya Sugar Company Advance Collaboration Talks
On 13th August 2025, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology hosted a delegation from the West Kenya Sugar Company. This visit was a key step in our ongoing discussions together with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to formalize a collaborative agreement aimed at establishing Kenya as a regional hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and export. The meeting follows a visit by a MMUST delegation, led by the Vice Chancellor-Prof. Solomon Shibairo, to the sugar company on 16th July 2025.
Participants engage in discussions at the VC’s Boardroom.
During the visit, the teams shared updates on the highly anticipated collaboration. One of the key issues that were discussed was the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder. A primary discussion point was the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders. The teams also defined the activities to be conducted during the collaborative period, which will include a feasibility study on producing SAF from sugarcane by-products, such as bagasse and molasses; performing business implementation studies to evaluate market viability, determine infrastructure needs, and ultimately promoting environmental sustainability and socio-economic development.
Mr. Collins Aluku(left)-Human Resource Manager at West Kenya Sugar Company LTD, makes a point during the discussions.
The West Kenya Sugar Company delegation also toured the Science Park Innovation and Incubation Centre (SPIIC) and the MMUST Innovation Academy. They were highly impressed by our talented innovators who presented prototypes ranging from eco-friendly sanitary pads made from sugarcane bagasse, to AI-driven agricultural applications developed to boost food production and address food insecurity. The session provided a unique opportunity for our innovators to receive feedback and explore potential partnerships related to expertise, mentorship, and market access.
The VC shakes hands with West Kenya’s Manager for Agriculture, Mr. James Oduor. Looking on is the Project Manager, Mr. Amiclear Odidi.
Once fully developed, this partnership is set to deliver significant benefits across multiple sectors. Environmentally, it will lead to a reduction in aviation sector CO₂ emissions and ensure the efficient use of waste from the sugar industry. Economically, the collaboration is expected to create new revenue streams for West Kenya Sugar Company and generate jobs in SAF production, logistics, and research. Socially, it will foster community development through a rural bio-economy and provide valuable skills transfer and training for students.
Caren Nekesa
Photos by Linet Owuor.
