KIPPRA held a consultative meeting with IFPRI/CGIAR on May 25, 2026, to strengthen collaboration in policy research, capacity development and knowledge sharing.
The discussions focused on the ongoing IFPRI–KIPPRA Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling training, future collaboration on the 2027 KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference (KARC), and regional capacity-building initiatives to enhance evidence-informed policymaking.
The meeting also reflected on the recently concluded KARC 2026, during which Dr James Thurlow launched the Rural Investment and Policy Analysis Artificial Intelligence (RIAPA-AI) model. The tool enables users to run economy-wide policy simulations through a chat-based interface without requiring specialised software or advanced technical expertise.
To strengthen regional analytical capacity, the two institutions proposed establishing an annual CGE modelling training programme for researchers across Eastern Africa. The initiative, expected to begin later this year, will offer both introductory and advanced training.
The meeting was attended by KIPPRA Executive Director Dr Eldah Onsomu and Senior Policy Analyst Adan Shibia. The IFPRI/CGIAR delegation comprised Dr Clemens Breisinger, Director of the CGIAR Policy Innovations Hub; Dr Khalid Siddig, Senior Research Fellow and Programme Leader for Kenya and Sudan; Dr James Thurlow, Director of Foresight and Policy Modeling at IFPRI; and Juneweenex Mbuthia of IFPRI-Kenya.
