A delegation from Italy paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) on Monday, November 10, 2025 to explore potential areas of collaboration between JKUAT and Italian higher education institutions.
The delegation, led by Prof. Daniele De Meneghi from the Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, and accompanied by Prof. Fabio Santoni from the Embassy of Italy in Kenya, held discussions with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Robert Kinyua, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi.
The meeting focused on strengthening academic and research partnerships, enhancing student and faculty exchange programs, and promoting joint initiatives in innovation, capacity building, and technology transfer aimed at addressing both regional and global challenges.
The visit was facilitated through the Internationalization of Italian Academia in Africa (ITACA) project, which seeks to strengthen the global reach of Italian higher education institutions. The initiative aims to build academic knowledge and competencies while promoting an inclusive and sustainable model of higher education at the international level.
The ITACA project builds on a robust network of partnerships with African universities, consolidated through the E4Impact Alliance, established in Milan in 2019. The Alliance brings together 24 African universities and the E4Impact Foundation to collaborate actively in training, capacity building, technical consulting, and entrepreneurship research across Africa.
Speaking during the courtesy meeting, Prof. Robert Kinyua noted that JKUAT is keen to enhance the expertise of its staff and students through strategic international collaborations that promote knowledge exchange, research innovation, and practical skills development.
He emphasized that partnerships facilitated through the ITACA project and the E4Impact Alliance align with JKUAT’s commitment to global engagement and capacity building for sustainable development.
“JKUAT is open to ensuring continuous collaboration with international partners to enhance research, innovation, and academic excellence. Through such engagements, we aim to strengthen our global footprint and equip our students and faculty with the competencies needed to address emerging global challenges,” said Prof. Kinyua.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor further noted that such collaborations not only enhance the University’s academic and research capacity but also create opportunities for joint innovation and knowledge exchange between Africa and Europe.
Prof. Daniele De Meneghi said, the ITACA project is keen to strengthen academic linkages between Italian and African universities by promoting collaborative research, faculty and student mobility, and joint programs that address global development priorities.
He noted that through ITACA’s network, universities such as JKUAT can tap into shared expertise and resources to enhance innovation, particularly in fields such as agriculture, veterinary science, and environmental sustainability.
Prof. Fabio Santoni, Scientific Attaché at the Embassy, emphasized that the Embassy remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster academic cooperation, research exchange, and technology transfer between Italian and Kenyan institutions.
ITACA aims to establish a permanent platform for academic collaboration between Italian and African universities for students, and staff members. Through the project, approximately 20 JKUAT staff and students are expected to benefit from faculty and student exchange programs with Italian institutions, gaining exposure to international best practices, advanced research methodologies, and collaborative learning opportunities.
