JKUAT and German Varsities Explore Collaboration Under Erasmus+ Programme - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi (right) and Council Member Joel Yego (second right) welcome DAAD Nairobi Office Director Dr. Dorothee Weyler who led the German delegation to JKUAT*

A delegation of scholars from over ten German universities on Wednesday, September 11, visited Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology to explore possible cooperative pathways under the Erasmus+ programme.

The team that was led by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Director in Kenya Dr. Dorothee Weyler had an opportunity to learn about JKUAT’s thematic research and training areas as well as some of the joint projects currently implemented by JKUAT and German universities.

While receiving the delegation at JKUAT, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi noted that JKUAT had consolidated long standing relations with German institutions through DAAD. The partnership, Prof. Ngumi said, had facilitated capacity building with many scholars from JKUAT having trained in Germany.

The Vice Chancellor said DAAD had also contributed to the research enterprise at JKUAT through support of demonstration facilities like power plants that have strengthened the university’s bid to be a global centre of excellence.

“Based on these enviable outcomes of our partnership with German institutions, we believe, we have a strong footing to champion new partnerships, including the joint implementation of programmes such as the Erasmus+ programme,” Prof. Ngumi said.

Dr. Dorothee Weyler noted that Erasmus+ programme opens new opportunity for European and African countries to cooperate in the fields of higher education.

*Principal, College of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Hiram Nditiru takes the guests in a tour of JKUAT teaching anf research facilities*

The delegation also visited the African Union led Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI). The Institution that is hosted by JKUAT, currently has students from 52 African countries studying at masters and doctorate levels.

PAUSTI Director, Prof. Losenge Turoop said, the graduate training facility provides a single interaction point with the whole of African continent for European universities.

Supported by the European Union, the Erasmus+ programme aims to facilitate thousands of African students to study in European universities on full scholarships. It covers over 300 academic courses. The programme is also primed to foster joint research projects bringing African and European researchers and institutions.

The German scholars were visiting Kenya on an exchange mission that includes a networking forum on EU-Higher Education cooperation between Germany and Eastern Africa.