Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology Research Center (IMB-RC)
INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER (IMB-RC)
Biological libraries are resource bases for known, validated and precisely identified microbial resources and associated information. These repositories preserve and provide biological resources for scientific, industrial, agricultural, environmental and medical research and development applications; conserve biodiversity; and serve as repositories of biological resources for protection of intellectual property, and resources for public information and policy formulation. Local bioprocessing industries including food, textile, leather, detergents, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, bioenergy, and fine chemicals are uncompetitive because they heavily rely on imported microbial resources to meet their manufacturing needs. Microbial technologies can accelerate the transition into a bio-based circular economy and contribute to sustainable production of food, feed, chemicals, biofuels, textiles, and materials for construction, automotive and transport industries. Industrial biotechnology sector, offers new approaches to pollution prevention, resource conservation, cost reduction and creation of new markets. The future of industrial biotechnology in Kenya is bright since the country has a broad diversity of microbial resources that can be explored to help boost the growth of bio-economy. IMB-RC undertakes research and development in competitive biologically based technologies aimed at finding solutions in food, health, agriculture, energy and environment. Our goal is to create a national hub for innovations in microbiology and biotechnology research to meet the national development needs.