27 July 2026
agriopen
agriopneeu

 

 

 

 

 

An EU-funded initiative advancing open, inclusive and flexible agricultural and entrepreneurship education in Kenya

Laikipia University is proud to be part of the AgriOPEN Project which is a major international partnership developing a Nationwide AgriOPEN Campus (AOC), an open education platform focusing on sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. The project brings together universities, government ministries and national agencies from Kenya and Europe to expand access to quality, competence-based agricultural education through open and distance learning.

The project was officially launched at a five-day physical kick-off workshop held from 26–30 January 2026 at the University of Nairobi, which brought together partner institutions and stakeholders to align on the project vision, governance, work packages and implementation strategy.

About the Consortium

The AgriOPEN Consortium is coordinated by the University of Nairobi and comprises eight partner institutions drawn from Kenya and Europe:

  • University of Nairobi (UoN) – Coordinator, Kenya

  • Stichting NHL Stenden Hogeschool (NHLS) – Netherlands

  • Hämeen Ammattikorkeakoulu Oy (HAMK) – Finland

  • Laikipia University (LU) – Kenya

  • South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) – Kenya

  • Egerton University (EGU) – Kenya

  • Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoE) – Kenya

  • Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) – Kenya

The project is co-funded by the European Union and delivered through a partnership structure of five work packages, with all partners contributing to implementation. Laikipia University leads Work Package 4 (Cross-sectoral Collaboration, Learning Ecosystem and Networks) and co-leads Work Package 3 (Content and Course Development), placing the University at the heart of the project’s academic and partnership work.

About the Project

The AgriOPEN Campus Project seeks to establish a national Agri Open Campus that expands access to accredited, competence-based learning opportunities through open and distance learning modalities. It responds to the need for digital, inclusive and flexible agricultural and entrepreneurship education in Kenya, linking higher education institutions, government and national qualifications bodies to strengthen the country’s agricultural education ecosystem.

Project Objectives

The project aims to:

  • Establish a nationwide Agri Open Campus as an open education platform for sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship;

  • Expand access to accredited, competence-based learning through open and distance learning modalities;

  • Develop and deliver quality-assured agricultural and entrepreneurship curricula and courses;

  • Strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration and learning networks among universities, government and industry;

  • Align learning provision with national qualification frameworks, recognition of prior learning and accreditation requirements;

  • Promote inclusive, lifelong learning that contributes to employment, food security and national development priorities.

Expected Outcomes

  • A functional, nationally recognised Agri Open Campus offering open and distance learning in agriculture and entrepreneurship;

  • New and improved competence-based courses and learning materials developed collaboratively across partner institutions;

  • Stronger cross-sectoral networks linking higher education, government, and the agricultural sector;

  • Established governance, quality assurance, monitoring and reporting mechanisms for sustainable delivery;

  • Increased access to flexible, accredited learning opportunities for learners across Kenya;

  • Enhanced institutional capacity and international collaboration among the partner institutions.

Project Funding

The AgriOPEN Project is co-funded by the European Union through the European Education and Culture Executive Agency, with a total grant award of EUR 1,000,000 (one million Euros) shared across the eight consortium partners. 

Project Leadership

The AgriOPEN Project is led by Prof. Naomi Mwangi of the University of Nairobi, who serves as the overall Project Coordinator.

The Laikipia University Project Team

Laikipia University’s participation is driven by a dedicated institutional team led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Finance & Planning), Prof. Patience Mshenga, who serves as the Laikipia University Local Coordinator. The team comprises:

  • Prof. Patience Mshenga – Local Coordinator, Laikipia University

  • Dr. Jannet Nyukuri – Project Team Member

  • Dr. Isaac Gitogo – Project Team Member

  • Mr. Silas Wataki – Project Team Member

The late Dr. Florence Achieng Opondo, was also a valued member of the Laikipia University project team. Her contribution to the project is gratefully acknowledged. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

agri-partners