Machakos University Launches SABESA Project to Advance Agroecology and Sustainable Institutional Food Systems
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Machakos University, in partnership with SCOPE Kenya, has officially launched the SABESA Project (Strengthening Agroecology-Based School and College Meal Systems in Eastern and Southern Africa), an initiative aimed at advancing sustainable food systems, learner nutrition and climate-resilient agriculture across the region. The project was launched on 15 September 2026 at Kasarani Sportsview Hotel, Nairobi, bringing together key stakeholders from the education, agriculture, research, development and civil society sectors to explore innovative approaches to institutional food systems.
SABESA brings together Machakos University, SCOPE Kenya, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, to examine how agroecological approaches and local food procurement can transform school and college meal systems while strengthening linkages between institutions and smallholder farmers.
The launch provided an important platform for stakeholders to exchange perspectives on school feeding, local food procurement, agroecology, nutrition and sustainable institutional food systems. Discussions highlighted opportunities to promote locally produced, nutritious food while supporting smallholder farmers and building resilience to climate change.
Machakos University was represented by Prof. James Muola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs (DVC-ASA), who delivered the official launch remarks on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joyce J. Agalo. Prof. Muola reaffirmed the University’s commitment to leveraging research, innovation and strategic partnerships to develop practical solutions to pressing challenges in food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
The event also featured contributions from SCOPE Kenya, Food4Education, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Rockefeller Foundation, PELUM Kenya and ISFAA, among other stakeholders. Through the SABESA Project, Machakos University continues to strengthen its role in advancing research-led, community-responsive solutions while building partnerships that translate knowledge and innovation into practical interventions for sustainable and resilient communities.
The initiative further reinforces the University’s commitment to its philosophy of Education for Industrial and Economic Transformation and its vision of becoming a global centre of excellence.