Two Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) graduates have secured fully funded scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies at Tokyo City University (TCU), Japan.
Samwel Omenta and Felix Ronoh, graduates of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Mechatronic Engineering respectively, will pursue postgraduate studies in Materials Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at the institution.
The scholars were presented on August 20, 2026, to the University Management when a delegation from TCU, led by Prof. Ai Momozawa and Prof. Maruyama, paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi.
The five-year scholarship, formalised through an academic collaboration agreement between the two institutions, will support their Master’s and Doctoral studies. The two students are expected to travel to Tokyo in September to commence their master’s programmes, with two additional students expected to join the programme in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
During the programme, they will gain advanced knowledge, practical skills and research experience, which they are expected to bring back to JKUAT to support knowledge transfer, research and innovation, and contribute to the training and mentorship of future students.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Bernard Ikua, lauded the collaboration between the two institutions, noting that the scholarship demonstrates the value of international academic partnerships in advancing student development, research and innovation.
He expressed confidence that the scholars will utilise the knowledge and skills gained to provide valuable input into JKUAT’s research and innovation agenda upon completion of their studies.
Prof. Ikua, who represented the Vice Chancellor, said the students’ training will be carefully aligned with JKUAT’s research and innovation priorities, ensuring that the knowledge, skills and expertise they acquire are relevant to the University’s needs and can be effectively applied upon their return.
Prof. Momozawa said the scholarship programme is designed to equip young scholars with advanced knowledge, practical skills and research experience that they can apply in their home institution, while strengthening academic and research collaboration.
“These students will serve as a bridge between the two institutions, strengthening academic and research linkages, facilitating knowledge exchange, and creating opportunities for future collaboration,” said Prof. Momozawa.
Dr. Shohei Aoki, JICA Expert under the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project, said the scholarship initiative seeks to support JKUAT by developing highly skilled researchers whose training aligns with the University’s research and innovation agenda.
Reflecting on the opportunity to study abroad, Omenta said the scholarship will provide him with valuable exposure to advanced technologies, research and new perspectives that he hopes to apply in addressing engineering challenges and contributing to JKUAT upon his return.
The initiative is expected to further strengthen the academic and research partnership between JKUAT and Tokyo City University while creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration in engineering and technology.
