National Macadamia Conference

Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki Lauds the University of Embu’s Exemplary Performance Over the Past Decade

The University of Embu hosted the National Macadamia Conference held on 4^th to 6^th June, 2025. The three-day event brought together government officials, agricultural experts and farmers to discuss strategies for boosting Kenya’s macadamia industry. The Conference was officially opened by the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki. Other key government officials present during the opening ceremony included the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Hon. Geoffrey Ruku, Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture, Dr. Paul Rono, Embu County Deputy Governor, Hon. Kinyua Mugo, members of National and County Assemblies, among others.

In his keynote address, Prof. Kindiki commended the University of Embu for its exemplary performance, recognising it as the best-performing public university and the top state corporation in governance and service delivery. ‘I congratulate Prof. Daniel Mugendi and his team for their outstanding leadership, and for making the University of Embu the best performing Public University and the best performing State Corporation in terms of governance and service delivery for ten years,’ stated the Deputy President. The Deputy President outlined the National Government’s vision to transforming the macadamia sub-sector into a major contributor to the national economy.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Daniel Mugendi, highlighted the University’s role in advancing the macadamia sector through cutting-edge research, education, and farmer empowerment initiatives. ‘The University of Embu is proud to be a knowledge hub for this sector, driving innovations such as improved macadamia varieties, climate-resilient farming techniques, and market access strategies,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also underscored the Institution’s academic excellence, noting that the University has been ranked in the “Excellent” category for ten consecutive years in the Annual Public Service Performance Evaluation. The University leverages on its highly skilled and experienced teaching staff to nurture the skills and career aspirations of its students. The Vice-Chancellor reiterated the University’s pledge to support smallholder farmers, urging the farmers to embrace macadamia farming as both a livelihood and a passion.

The three-day Conference featured discussions on value-addition, market linkages and policy frameworks to maximise benefits for farmers and investors alike. These discussions aim to position Kenya’s macadamia sector as a key contributor to the national economy while improving livelihoods for farmers across the country.