Egerton University, through the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness Management (CESAAM project, collaborated with Virginia Tech's Center for Communicating Science (CCS) to capacity-build 21 earlier career researchers on how students are making strides in effectively communicating agricultural research findings. This was through an innovative project titled ‘Agricultural Productivity Enhancement & Communicating Science project in Kenya, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS). Participants were drawn from various universities in Kenya, including Egerton, Meru, Machakos, Chuka, University of Eldoret, and private and public research institutions to build the capacity of early career agricultural researchers to translate complex scientific information into accessible and impactful communication.

The project hosted its first "Science Communication Learning Series and Case Competition," providing a unique platform for participants to enhance their science communication skills through virtual and in-person sessions facilitated by faculty from Virginia Tech's renowned Center for Communicating Science. The learning series, which spanned several weeks from February to May, equipped participants with practical strategies for effectively conveying scientific findings to diverse audiences, including policymakers and farming communities. Through active discussions, experiential learning, and embodied exercises, the participants gained valuable insights into the dynamics of science communication and its influence on policy translation and agricultural technology adoption. Further, participants made new connections with mutual interests and forged multi-disciplinary partnerships with other agricultural science communication champions.

The in-person session was hosted by Egerton University from May 6 to May 10 at ARC Hotel. The intensive five-day in-person engagement involved round table discussions on science communication and culminated in the "Science Communication Case Challenge" (S3C). During this event, participants applied their newly acquired skills to real-world case studies, demonstrating their ability to communicate complex agricultural research effectively.

The project's interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise from agricultural sciences and communication sciences, has proven invaluable in bridging the gap between research and practical applications. By empowering early career researchers with effective communication tools, APECS is paving the way for greater understanding and adoption of agricultural technologies, ultimately contributing to enhanced productivity and food security in Kenya.

Egerton University's participation and producing the winning team in APECS not only showcases the institution's commitment to excellence in agricultural research but also highlights its dedication to fostering a generation of researchers capable of translating scientific knowledge into tangible impacts on society.

As the first APECS project folds, the broader agricultural community in Kenya is filled with anticipation for the positive ripple effects. The empowered researchers, armed with effective communication skills, are poised to communicate their work effectively, drive innovations, and shape policies that will transform the agricultural landscape. This promising future is a testament to the lasting impact of the APECS project and the potential it holds for the advancement of agricultural research in Kenya.