The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) has launched an Automatic Biomethane Potential Analyzer. This is an equipment that will be used for research and training of students in the area of biogas.  The equipment was launched by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in-charge of Institutional Advancement and Enterprises (IAE) Prof. Paul Wambua, on behalf of TU-K Vice-Chancellor Prof. Benedict Mutua

The event happened today 16th June 2026, at the Main Hall, during a conference themed; “Biogas for Sustainable Energy Solutions in Kenya.” It is sponsored by the Biovarya project, a collaboration between TU-K and Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences, otherwise known as Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt in German(THI). A project that started in 2024 and funded by the Bavarian State Chancellery.

Present during the event were; Jessica Forster, project coordinator (THI) and her counterpart Dr. Benoit Hazard, Director, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS)

Also present were the DVC in charge of Research and Technology Development Prof. Alfred Orina, The Dean, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE), Prof. Cleophas Maende, Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Prof. George Amolo, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology, Prof. Maina Matu, Executive Dean, FSST, Dr. Bilha Gitonga Senior Lecturer & Director, Quality Assurance, Dr. John Akach – Lecturer and Chairperson, Department of Chemical and Bio Systems Engineering among others

Prof. Wambua thanked the sponsors of the project saying in will spark research in both countries. He termed the conference as a resilient, sustainable, continental network that will define true innovation and knowledge exchange programs.

“I am glad that we are here because of team work. We are hearing directly from the industry leaders, who shape our thinking and ensure that the versatile solution is available to US. We have a shared future.” 

Ms. Forster explained that the project focus on four Key objectives: Networking, Technology Transfer, Capacity Building and Joint Research. She challenged Kenyan biogas companies to broaden their network adding, “we are hopeful of investing in other activities that will strengthen the biogas sector in Kenya and Bavaria.”

She explained that last year, Kenyan biogas companies paid a visit to Ingolstadt where they got exposed to the real technologies, innovations and exchanged ideas on biogas, with other Bavarian companies.

According to Dr. Gitonga, the collaboration has been fruitful since it has seen the University create a network of biogas companies as well as bringing on board the academia, researchers and other stakeholders. She thanked the Kenyan Government for exempting duty, on the importation of the equipment.

“The project will support our laboratory equipment, operation maintenance, and will see the start of a short course programme on biogas, at TU-K,”said Dr. Gitonga.  She went further to explain that students who train in theory part at TU-K, will be attached to the existing Biogas facilities.

Several companies were represented by different speakers who made presentations on different topics for instance; Flexi Biogas, addressed the topic, ‘Challenges faced by industry in scaling biogas solutions and lessons learned. Sistema Bio handled the topic on practical experiences in biogas adoption and recommendations for sector growth while KIRDI presented on applied research and technology development.  Other companies that were represented included; CNRS, GIZ, GreenYard Ltd, EPRA, Nairobi County among others.