Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has continued to strengthen its internationalization agenda through strategic collaborations, including its latest engagement with the Italy-based European University Institute (EUI).
Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi on Thursday May 14, 2026 hosted Prof. Mehari Taddele of EUI, and discussed potential areas of collaboration between JKUAT and the Institute. The discussions focused on academic exchange, joint research initiatives, leadership development, and institutional capacity building.
The proposed collaboration between JKUAT and EUI is centred on the EUI’s Young African Leaders Programme, coordinated by Prof. Taddele. The initiative seeks to strengthen academic exchange, leadership development, research collaboration, and capacity building among young African scholars and professionals.
Prof. Ngumi underscored the importance of ensuring that such collaborations translate into tangible academic, research, and innovation outcomes that enhance the University’s global competitiveness and enrich the learning experience for both students and staff.
“This engagement today seeks to cement JKUAT’s position as a globally competitive institution through strategic international partnerships that foster knowledge exchange, collaborative research, and academic excellence,” the Vice Chancellor said.
She further noted that JKUAT’s School of Law at Karen Campus stands to benefit significantly from the proposed collaboration through enhanced academic linkages, research opportunities, and exposure to international best practices in legal and governance studies.
Prof. Taddele, who was accompanied by former JKUAT Council Chair, Amb. Mahboub Maalim, described JKUAT as a top university with strong potential for impactful international collaborations in academia, research, and leadership development.
“The EUI is keen to partner with JKUAT in programmes aimed at nurturing a new generation of African leaders through academic excellence, policy dialogue, research collaboration, and global engagement,” Prof. Taddele said.
He further emphasized the importance of equipping young people with the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to effectively address contemporary global challenges and contribute meaningfully to governance, development, and the formation of future lawmakers and policy leaders.
Amb. Maalim underscored the importance of actualising the collaboration, noting that it presents a significant opportunity for JKUAT to elevate its international standing and further strengthen its academic and research partnerships.
Both institutions agreed to continue discussions aimed at refining the proposed areas of cooperation, with a view to developing a structured framework for implementation covering academic exchange, joint research initiatives, leadership development, and capacity-building programmes.
