Ambassador Enrique Ochoa, the newly appointed Ambassador to Mexico, has reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to strengthening ties with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) during his visit. He underscored the importance of academic exchange and collaboration in addressing global challenges such as food security and sustainable development.
During a meeting with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Ambassador Ochoa expressed optimism about the current collaboration’s potential for significant exchanges not only in research but also students and staff exchanges as well as joint projects that would benefit both countries.
“My predecessor built a solid partnership with JKUAT, and I believe we can expand this partnership to new areas of mutual benefit,” said Ambassador Ochoa.
He further expressed confidence in JKUAT’s potential as a key partner in advancing shared goals, noting the university’s leadership in research and innovation.
One particularly intriguing topic was Ambassador Ochoa’s predecessor’s nixtamalization project, aimed at enhancing maize processing techniques to improve nutritional value and food security. He stressed the importance of supporting this initiative to develop additional products that will offer more options to the public.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi, interacts with Ambassador Enrique Ochoa following the discussions.
Prof. Ngumi highlighted JKUAT’s ongoing research in agricultural technology and expressed eagerness for potential collaborations to advance this critical field of study.
“We are eager to expand our collaboration network to various Mexican institutions to exchange ideas and further research in areas of shared interest,” stated Prof. Ngumi.
The Vice Chancellor also proposed virtual students and staff exchanges as a viable avenue for the university to pursue, to facilitate ongoing exchange of expertise and knowledge.
Prof. Ngumi also noted that the university is well-equipped with a fruit tree seedling nursery, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to enhancing its portfolio through collaboration.
Ambassador Enrique Ochoa’s visit to JKUAT marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing collaboration between Mexico and Kenya in the realms of education, research, and innovation.
