As the second cohort of students from VIVES University of Applied Sciences in Belgium wraps up their immersive field study tour in Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) celebrates another milestone in its ongoing international collaboration.
The group, set to conclude their visit on Saturday, February 21, has gained hands-on experience in wildlife conservation and related fields, fostering cross-cultural knowledge exchange and advancing sustainable practices in animal care and environmental management.
The exchange program, which began with the signing of a partnership agreement in July 2023, has enabled Belgian students to engage directly with Kenya’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. The first cohort arrived in April 2025, paving the way for this year’s group of aspiring animal care professionals.
The students have spent two weeks exploring Kenya’s premier conservancies and institutions. Their fieldwork included in-depth studies on wildlife management, animal population monitoring, and biomass monitoring. The program also provided valuable insights into veterinary work in the field and practical applications of data analysis in conservation science.
During their stay, the Belgian visitors undertook study tours to key sites including Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, and the National Museums of Kenya.
At Ol Pejeta, renowned for its innovative approaches to rhino conservation and community-integrated wildlife management, the students participated in animal tracking sessions and learned about anti-poaching technologies. This aligns with recent agreements between JKUAT and Ol Pejeta to advance conservation education and research, building on the university’s collaborations with international partners like VIVES
At these sites, the students observed first-hand the complexities of managing protected areas, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and the innovative technologies used in tracking and preserving endangered species. They also visited the National Museums of Kenya, where they gained a deeper understanding of the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
JKUAT’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi said the exchange program is a testament to the power of international collaboration in higher education. She added that by hosting the VIVES students, JKUAT effectively became the pathway to not only share Kenya’s unique biodiversity, but also to foster a cross-cultural dialogue on sustainable conservation practices. The ultimate goal, she opined, is to develop the next generation of environmental stewards.
“Our partnership with VIVES not only enriches the educational experience for Belgian students but also allows our own staff and students to gain global perspectives. Through joint initiatives in biotechnology and wildlife technology transfer, we’re addressing pressing challenges like climate change and habitat loss,” Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi said.
Since its inception, the exchange has facilitated staff mobility as well, with JKUAT faculty visiting Belgium to share expertise in tropical agriculture and conservation. Students engaged in veterinary work, including health checks on livestock and wildlife, and used data analysis tools to interpret population trends.
These activities underscore the program’s focus on innovative technologies, preparing participants for careers in global animal care. This initiative not only strengthens bilateral ties but also contributes to global sustainability goals, such as those outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for life on land.
Dr. Ella Engels who is the team lead from VIVES says the partnership with JKUAT has been extremely enriching and impactful given that it is rich in content and knowledge. She added that many students from VIVES are now drawn to the wildlife management track, in part because of the immersive nature of the exchange programme with JKUAT.
“Kenya offers our students access to many animals that we don’t have in our own country. The students also get to experience new cultural perspectives as they interact with host communities while here. This is way enriching and a dream come true for many of our students,” Dr. Ella said.
According to Marie Roozendaal, one of the exchange students, the Kenya visit has been a life changing experience. She recalls that back in Belgium she could only study behavior of a few set of animals like cats, dogs and horses, with some studies done in the zoo.
“During the trip, we have been exposed to a wide variety of animals, in their natural habitat. This has allowed us to learn a lot and collect really vital data, including on very captivating aspects like predation, “Marie said.
