Prof. George Owuor, an Associate Professor in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management at Egerton University, serves as the Coordinator of the Egerton Living Lab, a pivotal component of the INCiTiS-Food Project. Prof. Owuor oversees the lab’s operations, driving research, practical training for students, and community engagement. His leadership builds on a distinguished career, including roles as Director of Income Generating Units at Egerton University and coordinator of regional agricultural programs, making him a key figure in advancing sustainable agriculture in Kenya.

Prof. Josephine Ouma serves as the Project Principal Investigator (PI) for the INCiTiS-Food Project at Egerton University, where she collaborates with Prof. George Owuor, the Coordinator of the Egerton Living Lab. As an agronomist in the Department of Crops, Horticulture, and Soils, Prof. Ouma brings her expertise in crop production and agronomy to lead this European Commission-funded initiative, launched in January 2023. Her role as PI involves overseeing the project’s strategic direction, research design, and implementation, focusing on sustainable food systems through aquaponics and hydroponics.

Prof. Arnold Mathew Opiyo is a distinguished academic and researcher at Egerton University, Kenya, specializing in horticulture within the Department of Crops, Horticulture, and Soils. Prof. Opiyo plays a critical role in overseeing the crops activity, leveraging his expertise to manage the planting and cultivation processes within the Egerton Living Lab’s aquaponics and hydroponics systems. He is responsible for guiding PhD and MSc students attached to the project, mentoring them in innovative crop production techniques and ensuring the successful integration of horticultural research into this sustainable food systems initiative.

Dr. Steve Omondi Oduor is a Senior Lecturer and researcher at Egerton University, Kenya, with over 30 years of experience in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students. Based in the Department of Biological Sciences, he has served as Head of the department from 2017 to 2023 and is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Science since March 2023. Dr. Omondi began his career at Egerton in 1990 as a technologist in the Biological Sciences Department. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Botany and Zoology from Egerton University (1995), an MSc in Environmental Science and Technology from UNESCO-IHE Institute of Water Education in the Netherlands (2000), and a Doctorate in Life Sciences from the University of Vienna, Austria (2006), with a dissertation on phytoplankton dynamics in Kenya’s Rift Valley saline-alkaline lakes.

Dr. Benard Karanja is a Lecturer in the Department of Crops, Horticulture, and Soils at Egerton University, Kenya, recognized for his contributions to agricultural education and research. With a specialization in horticulture, he has been actively involved in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and mentoring students. Dr. Karanja holds a prominent role as a lead mentor in initiatives like the Beekeeping Profitability Challenge hosted by Mulungushi University in Zambia (December 2023), where he guided Egerton University students in addressing real-world challenges faced by small-scale bee farmers. His work emphasizes innovation, climate-smart agriculture, and enhancing the profitability of the honey value chain.

Paul Kahenya is a computer scientist and the designated Communication Officer for the Egerton Living Lab, part of the INCiTiS-Food Project at Egerton University. With a background in computer science, he specializes in leveraging technology for data management, digital communication, and outreach. In his role, Paul oversees the dissemination of project updates, research findings, and innovations related to the lab’s sustainable food systems initiatives, including aquaponics and hydroponics. Paul ensure effective communication between the project team, students, and external stakeholders such as the European Commission and local communities in Nakuru County. His technical expertise supports the integration of digital tools for monitoring and promoting the project’s circular food production model, enhancing its visibility and impact.