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Excitement in the air as the #ILRIat50 Kenya celebration begins in Nairobi. Distinguished guests, alumni, partners, staff and livestock advocates were welcomed by a lively performance by the local Hakuna Matata Children’s Choir

Our director general Appolinaire Djikeng opened the event with thanks to the vital support of so many governments, donors, international and regional partners, and funders whose support has allowed ILRI to touch the lives of so many through the work we have done. #ILRIat50

Martyn Jeggo took to the stage following a spirited dance with the Hakuna Matata Childrens Choir. With warm humour he recalled his long, zigzagging journey to becoming ILRI board chair, praising the development of ILRI & the crucial support of the Kenyan & Ethiopian governments. #ILRIat50

Returning to the stage, Appolinaire Djikeng proudly highlighted the tangible impact of the ILRI’s research, already documented in our comprehensive book, downloadable here 👇 ilri.org/impact-inter... #ILRIat50

ILRI was once two facilities - ILCA and ILRAD. Our director general recalled his beginnings as a student travelling in by matatu each day to research. He thanked the legacy of those who came before and the support of many governments, leading to our pivotal role in the global livestock narrative.

Fikru Regassa, State Minister for Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia, and Andrew Karanja, Cabinet Secretary for the Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development looked forward to more years of fruitful collaboration, sustainable growth and climate-smart solutions. #ILRIat50

The day is being captured by our busy photographers - check out our album here! flic.kr/s/aHBqjBSiSo #ILRIat50

Next panel - Learning from past Leadership, with Lindewe Majele Sibanda, Lindsay Falvey, Hank Fitzhugh, Carlos Seré and Jimmy Smith.

Chef Dennis spoke passionately at #ILRIat50 about the importance of teaching children to eat healthily and understand where their food comes from #whylivestockmatter