A significant leap in agro-industrial innovation and academic training has been achieved with the commissioning of a modern milk processing facility at Chuka University. The Chair of Council, Prof. David Serem, OGW, officially launched the project and commended it as a forward-thinking investment in both student empowerment and rural development. The new dairy plant, housed within the university’s Food Science and Technology Complex, is fully equipped to process pasteurized milk, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products. It is designed to serve as a dual-purpose hub, a training ground for students and a processing point for local dairy farmers. The facility unites academia and industry in a way that fosters hands-on learning while creating market linkages that benefit the surrounding community. Speaking at the commissioning, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Mutembei emphasized the plant’s role in strengthening experiential learning and agricultural value chains. “Our students will gain real-world exposure to modern food processing systems, while local farmers benefit from a reliable outlet for their milk,” he said. The facility is expected to provide practical training in food safety, quality assurance, and packaging, positioning graduates for success in Kenya’s growing agro-processing sector. Beyond academics, the milk plant supports regional economic empowerment. By increasing market access for dairy producers and encouraging value-added production, the plant promotes rural industrialization through the integration of research, enterprise, and community collaboration. The commissioning reflects the university’s bold commitment to linking knowledge with action. #cr