Prof Agnes W. Kihurani studied Agriculture at undergraduate level, later specializing in Plant Pathology for her masters and PhD. She started her professional career at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), and later the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
Prof Kihurani developed practical skills, knowledge and competences in plant disease diagnosis, on-farm and on-station agricultural research, working with farmers and industry players that support plant health. As a result, she became part of a team that pioneered sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) research and development in Kenya in the early 1990s. This important food security crop was previously neglected by scientists and governments in East Africa.
After her doctorate studies, Prof Kihurani joined the field of higher education with the aim of sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience in agriculture. She has successfully Supervised many postgraduate students, at both masters and doctorate levels, Mentored numerous undergraduates studying agriculture, and also served as an External Examiner. She has also Authored/Co-Authored many scientific articles in journals, books and book chapters, bulletins and workshop proceedings.
Prof Kihurani's other skills include excellent leadership and communication skills. These may be attributed to her being appointed as Head of the Academic Department (Agricultural Sciences), Head of a Research Section (Plant Pathology), among other leadership responsibilities.
