Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and the University of Ghent (UGENT) held discussions to explore possibilities of expanding existing areas of partnership.

The talks held at JKUAT Council Boardroom on Monday, February 12, 2024 centered on finding areas of mutual interest in research and student and staff exchanges, particularly knowledge and skill transfer among women.

The meeting highlighted boosting research and knowledge transfer, as well as finding areas that the two institutions could leverage.

Speaking virtually during the meeting, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi said, JKUAT is very eager to engage with research-oriented institutions that would enhance the skills and knowledge of its faculty and students.

“I am excited to expand our collaboration and I believe this initiative will give students and staff the support and momentum they need to elevate their research and skills to a level that meets world class standards,” Prof. Ngumi observed.

Prof. Ngumi further said, the two universities have been excellent collaborators and the three-year tripartite partnership has been critical in terms of skill and information sharing, benefiting both staff and students.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi gives her remarks virtually during the meeting.

Echoing the vice chancellor’s sentiments, UGENT, Rector, Prof. Rik Van de Walle noted that the collaboration between the two institutions has facilitated the interchange of ideas and expertise.

“This relationship has created opportunities for us to exploit in new sectors. Such collaboration, in our opinion, will deepen our partnership and open up new research avenues that both universities may benefit from,” Prof. Fan De Walle said.

He said that two areas of interest would be enhancing research in fields like poultry science, which Prof. Van de Walle pointed out, may be advantageous to both institutions as well as imparting women with skills and knowledge through their open-door fellowship program.

The JKUAT- UGENT collaboration has benefited staff and students and it has been formalized by a three-year tripartite agreement signed by UGENT, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew (United Kingdom), and JKUAT.

The agreement entails exchange of academic staff and research assistants and exchange of PhD students and post-doctoral researchers for non-credit study and research.

The meeting was also addressed by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Robert Kinyua, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Production and Extension), Prof. Jackson Kwanza, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration and Finance, Prof. Daniel Sila, Principal, Karen Campus, Prof. Hellen Mberia and faculty members.

JKUAT and University of GHENT Explore Expanded Collaboration.