Prof. Bart Vochten and Prof. Elke Roels from Karel De Grote University of Applied Sciences and Arts (KdG), Antwerp, Belgium, paid a courtesy call on the JKUAT Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi to explore potential areas of collaboration.
The visit was informed by mutual interests and a shared commitment between the two institutions to foster international partnerships, enhance academic exchange, and promote joint research and innovation initiatives.
The discussions centred on opportunities for student and staff exchange, collaborative research, and capacity-building initiatives, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship. Both parties expressed enthusiasm for establishing a long-term partnership that would enrich academic experiences and foster cross-cultural engagement.
With JKUAT focused on internationalization, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua who represented the Vice Chancellor, said, the visit marked a significant step toward strengthening global academic networks and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
Prof. Kinyua welcomed the collaboration, noting its potential to enhance the university’s global outlook and provide students and staff with valuable international exposure.
“This is an important step in continuing our efforts toward achieving internationalization,” Prof. Kinyua said.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in driving academic excellence, fostering innovation, and preparing graduates for the global job market and emphasized that collaborations play a key role in aligning the university’s programs with international standards and emerging industry needs.
Prof. Bart Vochten, Programme Coordinator of Software Development at KdG, said their institution was keen to collaborate with JKUAT in areas that would foster practical, industry-relevant skills and enhance the global competencies of students.
He expressed confidence that the envisaged partnership would yield impactful research and projects, particularly in the field of technology and applied sciences.
“As a university, our visit today is a testament to our genuine interest in collaborating with JKUAT. We see great potential in building joint initiatives that can benefit both our students and academic communities,” said Prof. Vochten.
Head of Computer Science at KdG, Prof. Elke Roels noted that while their visit was primarily focused on technology sector, they were also keen to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship and other areas of mutual interest. She emphasized the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges and enriching the academic experience.
The meeting was also addressed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension, Prof. Jackson Kwanza, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Daniel Sila and the Director, ICT, Prof. Stephen Kimani.
