Aiden Kiprop 
A Centre Of Excellence For Agricultural Training And Research
- Bukura Agricultural College (BAC) Offers A Unique And Practical Approach To Training
Tucked in the remote outskirts of Kakamega County, Bukura Agricultural College stands as a beacon of hope for Kenyan farmers, offering a unique and practical approach to agricultural education.
Established in 1972 as a college of Agriculture, Bukura has grown into a leading institution in the country, transforming the lives of thousands of students, and contributing to the development of Kenya’s agriculture.
Beyond the Textbook
“Bukura sets itself apart from other agricultural training institutions with its unwavering focus on practical skills and hands-on learning.We understand that agricultural success hinges on more than just theoretical knowledge. Farmers need to be equipped with the skills to handle the realities of the field, from managing livestock to cultivating crops to navigating the complexities of value addition. “ says Principal Paul Njogu.
This emphasis is evident in the institute’s unique curriculum, which is entirely developed in-house. Bukura does not simply rely on pre-existing curricula, but takes into account the specific needs and challenges of the Kenyan agricultural sector, ensuring that students are prepared for the realities of the industry.
The curriculum is constantly evolving, incorporating new technologies and innovations to ensure that students graduate with the most relevant skills.
Bukura’s dedication to practical training is reflected in its impressive student population. Currently, the institute(College) houses 2,500 students, a number expected to increase to 3,500 or more by this year, driven by the institute’s expanding programmes, and the growing demand for practical agricultural training.
The College’s most sought-after program is, Animal Production and Health Management, boasts over 750 students alone.
“We are currently witnessing a surge in enrolment, with our student population expected to grow significantly by September 2024.
This growth is a testament to our commitment to practical, skills-based training, and the increasing demand for qualified agricultural professionals in Kenya and abroad,” states Principal Njogu.
Transforming Lives and Empowering Farmers;
Bukura’s commitment to practical training has yielded impressive results.
The College boasts of a remarkable track record, attracting students from across Kenya and even beyond.
The BAC graduates are highly sought after by employers, both locally and internationally, thanks to their deep understanding of agricultural practices, and their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
This success is further cemented by the College’s remarkable international internship programmes. Bukura has established partnerships with organizations in Germany and the UK, offering students unparalleled opportunities to gain valuable work experience abroad.
These programmes are not merely placements, but offer students a chance to learn from industry experts, develop their skills and earn a substantial income.
“Our international internship programmes with Germany and the UK have been incredibly successful. These programmes offer our students the chance to gain real-world experience in a globalized agricultural environment, while also earning a substantial income. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and their ability to excel in these challenging opportunities,” says Principal Njogu.
The institute’s international internship programme with Germany run for six months, while the UK program which is a seasonal worker scheme has successfully placed approximately 470 students in 2023/2024 alone.
The Seasonal worker scheme have proven to be highly attractive for students, who earn an average of Ksh 200,000 per month after deductions, a significant income that makes the internship experience financially rewarding as well.
The success of these programs is a testament to the high calibre of Bukura graduates,and their ability to adapt and excel in international environments.
Commitment to Climate-Smart Agriculture
“Recognizing the critical role of agriculture in addressing climate change, Bukura has wholeheartedly embraced the concept of climate-smart agriculture.
We understand that the agricultural landscape is facing unprecedented challenges, from erratic rainfall to rising temperatures, and that farmers need to adapt their practices to ensure sustainable yields,” emphasizes Principal Njogu.
This commitment is reflected in the institute’s integrated approach to climate-smart agriculture:
Harnessing the Power of Azolla: Bukura promotes the use of Azolla, a rapidly multiplying aquatic plant, as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly protein supplement for livestock.
This innovative approach not only reduces reliance on conventional, often expensive, animal feeds but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural system.
Black Soldier Flies: Bukura utilizes Black Soldier Flies (BSF) for the production of high-protein animal feed. BSF are known for their remarkable ability to convert organic waste into nutritious feed, contributing to waste management and promoting a circular economy within the agricultural sector.
Tissue Culture Bananas: Bukura offers high-quality tissue culture banana seedlings, ensuring disease-free plants and higher yields. This technology helps farmers overcome the challenges of disease outbreaks and maximize their productivity.
The BAC has demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach by successfully providing tissue culture banana seedlings at a cost of Ksh 140 per seedling, significantly lower than the Ksh 300 previously sourced from other counties. This initiative highlights Bukura’s commitment to making quality agricultural inputs accessible and affordable to farmers.
“We are actively promoting the adoption of climate-smart technologies within our curriculum and research. These innovative approaches are vital for enhancing the resilience and profitability of Kenyan agriculture,” explains Principal Njogu.
Milk Processing: Recognizing the importance of value addition, the college operates a milk processing plant. This initiative provides a reliable market for dairy farmers, promotes the production of value-added products like yoghurt, mala and pasturized milk and helps in reducing post-harvest losses.
Key research initiatives
BAC commitment to innovation is not limited to practical applications; it is deeply rooted in research. The College boasts of a dedicated research division, actively seeking solutions to the challenges faced by Kenyan farmers. Some of the research activities being undertaken with other partners are as follows:
Multilocation Trials for Pastures: BAC is conducting multilocation trials to identify the most productive pasture grasses and legumes for different regions of Kenya in Partnershinp with CGIR. This research is particularly crucial in addressing the challenges of drought resilience and ensuring sustainable livestock production, especially in arid and semi-arid areas. The trials are being conductedin five locations across the country.
The trials involve comparing the yields of approximately 20 different grasses and 15 legume pastures, aiming to determine the most suitable options for different regions and climatic conditions.
“Our research division is actively working on projects that address the real-world challenges faced by Kenyan farmers.
Bio-stimulants Research: To enhance crop resilience, the BAC is investigating bio-stimulants that can help crops mitigate the effects of environmental stress. This research aims to promote crop resilience and improve yields in the face of climate change, contributing to food security and economic prosperity.
“Bukura recognizes the need to make quality agricultural education accessible to a wider population. We are strategically planning the establishment of new campuses in different regions across Kenya, ensuring that more farmers have access to our valuable training programmes.” He adds.
“We are committed to making quality agricultural education accessible to all Kenyans. Our plans include establishing new campuses in regions like Western Kenya, Turkana, and Elgeyo Marakwet, ensuring that our training programmes reach those who need them most,” states Principal Njogu.
To alleviate the challenges many students face in financing their education, Bukura is actively developing financial aid programmes. These programmes aim to reduce the cost of agricultural education, making it more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, and ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented individuals from pursuing their aspirations.
“We recognize that financial barriers can prevent many individuals from accessing quality agricultural education. We are exploring options to develop financial aid programmes, such as a revolving fund, to make our programs more accessible, and support students who need it most,” says Principal Njogu.
Bukura recognizes the importance of collaboration, and has forged partnerships with county governments across Kenya.
These partnerships enable the College to tailor training programmes to the specific needs of each region, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address local challenges, and contribute to the development of their communities.
The College has already secured a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kakamega County, aiming to ensure that students from the college have access to scholarship opportunities offered by the County and also the College staff working as mentors in the A-TVETS within the county of Kakamega
Bukura intends to expand these partnerships with other counties to create a network of support for agricultural training and research, ensuring a more sustainable future for the sector.
“We are actively engaging with county governments to develop tailored training programmes and explore opportunities for collaboration. Our partnership with Kakamega County, for example, ensures that our students have access to scholarships. We envision expanding this network of partnerships to create a more robust support system for agricultural education and research in Kenya,” explains Principal Njogu.
Center of Excellence
BAC vision is not simply to train farmers; it is to become a leading centre of excellence for practical agricultural education in Kenya. The College strives to be the go-to institution for individuals seeking a career in agriculture, offering them the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for success.
Bukura aims to equip its students to be not just farmers, but agents of change, contributing to the sustainable development of Kenya’s agricultural sector, and ensuring food security for generations to come.
“Our vision for the college is to be the leading training institution of choice for practical agricultural education in Kenya. We want to equip our students with the skills and knowledge to not only succeed in their careers, but also to contribute to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector,” concludes Principal Njogu.
“Bukura is a best option for anyone who wants to train in practical agriculture.We offer ‘Elimu Bora’ (better education) and ‘Kilimo Biashara’ (farming business). We equip you to not just be employed, but to become an agent of change in the agricultural landscape.”
The College’s commitment to practical training, research, and community outreach, coupled with its proactive approach to climate-smart agriculture, makes Bukura a vital resource for Kenya’s agricultural future.
The College’s vision, to be the centre of excellence in practical agricultural training is increasingly becoming a reality as it continues to empower Youth, women and men and shape the future of agriculture in Kenya.
