Robert Wahiti Gituru, a Professor of Plant Biosystematics at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology has received the Chinese Government Friendship Award. Prof. Gituru who is also the African Director of the China-Africa Joint Research Center (SAJOREC) was honoured for his longstanding and impactful contribution to science and society. The awards ceremony was conducted on January 25 in Beijing, China.

The Chinese Government Friendship Award is an honorary award by the Chinese government that recognizes foreign experts who have made important contributions to promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and foreign countries.

The botanical expert was at heart of championing innovative approaches of international cooperation in which aid is effectively tied to sustainable development outcomes. The JKUAT based SAJOREC which Prof. Gituru helped found, has emerged as a strong centre of excellence in talent cultivation of young African scientists in consequential areas such as sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

The botanical expert was at heart of championing innovative approaches of international cooperation in which aid is effectively tied to sustainable development outcomes. The JKUAT based SAJOREC which Prof. Gituru helped found, has emerged as a strong centre of excellence in talent cultivation of young African scientists in consequential areas such as sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

SAJOREC was established in 2013; becoming the first comprehensive research institute whose establishment was supported by government of China in Africa. It is a pivotal bridge for scientific cooperation between Beijing and African capitals.

Prof. Gituru is widely published with over 100 scientific publications and three monographs. His relentless efforts to promote China-Africa scientific cooperation and educational exchanges has seen him help over 300 young and outstanding African students to study postgraduate degree courses in Chinese universities and research institutions.

In acknowledging the recognition, Prof. Gituru noted that the award was a befitting appreciation of not only his personal achievements but also collective achievements of his colleagues and staff at SAJOREC.

“I am most proud of the over 300 young African scholars who I have successfully recommended for award of graduate scholarships in Universities and research institutions in China many of whom have already returned to Africa. This cohort of young scientists is set to play a key role in setting the agenda of research in Africa and improving the livelihoods of citizens in their countries,” Prof. Gituru said.

The recognition comes barely a year after Prof. Gituru was feted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences where he won the prestigious award for International Science and Technology Cooperation Award in December 2023; becoming the first African to bag the accolade.

Prof. Gituru also serves as the adjunct professor at Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and is a member of Kenya National Academy of Sciences. In addition, he serves as the scientific advisor to the Central Kenya River Users Association; and fellow of East African Natural History Society.