MMUST-KALRO teams at the University’s Main Catering Unit.
A team of researchers from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has innovated a Pen-side Mastitis Kit aimed at early diagnosis of the disease in dairy cattle. The project, funded by the Agricultural Finance Initiative (AgriFI), a European Union-sponsored programme, is set to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) to diagnose Mastitis. On Tuesday, 5 September, 2023, the University hosted delegates from KALRO to discuss the registration and commercialization of the Kit, as well as to update the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two (2) institutions.
Speaking during the MMUST- KALRO Workshop, the Dean School of Agriculture Veterinary Sciences and Technology (SAVET), Prof. Jacob Wakhungu, pointed out that Mastitis is a major challenge in dairy production. “Mastitis affects both animals and humans. I am certain that the implementation team of this project is up to the task in regard to fighting Mastitis, and will find solutions to take the dairy industry to the next level,” stated the Dean-SAVET, adding that there has been a lot of efforts to tackle the disease.
Dean-SAVET, Prof. Jacob Wakhungu, gives his remarks at the MMUST- KALRO Workshop.
“There are so many research opportunities in agriculture. As a University, we envision to be one of the leading institutions in terms of agricultural research and I am glad that we have KALRO as a partner,” said the Director of Research and Postgraduate Support-Prof. Francis Orata. Prof. Orata applauded the team for this innovation, saying that the project is crucial to enhancing dairy farming.
In his remarks, the Director Science Park Innovation and Incubation Centre (SPIIC)-Prof. John Muoma talked about patenting, where he enlightened the Workshop participants on how to protect Intellectual Properties. “This Workshop is a great opportunity for us to interact on a research level. We look forward to patenting this Kit, as well as to expanding this partnership,” he said.
Director-DIAL, Dr. Umulkher Ali, at the MMUST- KALRO Workshop.
“The areas of collaboration have clearly been articulated in the MoU between MMUST and KALRO, which was renewed and signed this year. We hope that the MoU will also provide our postgraduate students with training, capacity building and mentorship opportunities. As a Directorate, we are eager to receive reports on more initiatives from this project,” stated the Director-International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL), Dr. Umulkher Ali.
KALRO’s Dr. Erick Mungube, while giving an overview of the project, revealed that it (the project) was conceived to help farmers develop quick interventions as far as Mastitis is concerned. “We have developed something that is easy for farmers to use. The only thing remaining is to register the kit with relevant authorities before taking it to the market,” said Dr. Mungube. The Ag. Principal Investigator (PI) of the Project-Dr. Peter Ndirangu, reiterated that farmers will not require much knowledge to use the kit, and added that this project will lower the disease burden as well as enhance the sale of milk. On his part, Dr. Moses Olum emphasized the need to cultivate an environment in which research can thrive, to develop collaborations that work and to carry out research for development. Other members from KALRO present during the Workshop were; Dr. Alexander Kiprono, Ms. Patriciah Ngutu and Ms. Winnie Wambugu.
Dr. Erick Mungube gives a presentation at the Workshop.
“We look forward to working with KALRO on more projects and to developing new proposals in order to attract more funding to our respective institutions,” echoed the key contact person of the project at MMUST-Mr. Peter Nyongesa.
MMUST and KALRO have had a longstanding partnership which has evidently resulted in the innovation of a Kit that will have such a significant impact on the community. Together, the two (2) institutions are set to not only transform the dairy industry, but also the entire agricultural sector in Kenya.
Photos by Gabriel Juma
