Masila Kanyingi
I seldom encounter many high-quality choices, but today I have two regarding one individual. August 14, 2025, was a pivotal date for Kenya’s agriculture and the global community, thanks to one company’s vision. I’m torn between focusing on Elgon Kenya Ltd, Dr. Bimal Kantaria, or the
Kantaria Agricultural Technology and Innovation Centre (KATIC). Logically, KATIC seems the best choice.
Before I proceed, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Bimal Kantaria, EBS, OGW, the Managing Director of Elgon Kenya Ltd, who also chairs ASNET and serves on the KEPSA board. He leads the Fertiliser Association of Kenya and the Agriculture Confederation of East Africa, and is a trustee for the Agrochemical Association of Kenya. For today, I will skip other synonyms about this Rotarian that aren’t related to agriculture.
Dr. Kantaria, an experienced leader at Elgon Kenya Ltd, has a strong background in agriculture and manufacturing. He excels in business development and advocates for policies that connect the private sector with government efforts, focusing on social empowerment. As a visionary leader, he balances commercial success with social and agricultural advancement in East Africa. His leadership of the region’s largest agri-input company and his efforts to build industry networks have earned him several prestigious civic awards in Kenya, showcasing his commitment to transformative leadership and community involvement.
The launch of the Kantaria Agricultural Technology and Innovation Centre (KATIC) at the University of Nairobi’s Upper Kabete Campus marks a major milestone for Kenya’s agricultural sector and highlights the Kantaria Family’s dedication to community support and philanthropy.
KATIC aims to transform agriculture through research and practical solutions, bridging the gap between academic research and effective farming practices..
Designed for experimentation and scaling of agricultural innovations, KATIC is poised to enhance the role of technology in modern farming.
While academic institutions have historically driven agricultural research, many innovations fail to reach practical use. KATIC aims to create a collaborative environment for scholars, farmers, and industry professionals to work together.
The centre provides facilities for testing new technologies in real farming conditions, ensuring innovations are practical and scalable.
At the heart of KATIC’s mission are its demonstration farms, where technologies like precision farming and AI crop monitoring are trialed, serving as living labs for students and farmers.
This hands-on approach builds trust in new systems and offers valuable feedback for developers and researchers.
KATIC’s primary goal is to equip farmers with the knowledge and resources to address challenges like climate change and market fluctuations through training sessions and outreach initiatives.