Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for research and training, through a prestigious staff and student exchange programme involving scholars from VIVES University of Applied Sciences, Belgium.
The two visiting lecturers, Ms. Ilse Aerts and Ms. Lien Pergoot, were hosted at the College of Human Resource Development (COHRED) for a two-week intensive programme, running from May 1 to May 15, 2026. The initiative aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry application through practical and experience-based learning approaches.
Their visit featured an intensive teaching schedule that saw the lecturers delivering sessions on Sustainability and Finance, as well as Entrepreneurial Mastery, covering areas such as soft skills, pitching, storytelling, and employer branding for students in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SOBE).
Unlike the traditional theory-based teaching model commonly associated with many business programmes across different levels of learning in Kenya, the VIVES teaching model integrates practical exercises and real-world case studies directly into classroom instruction. This is an approach that the College of Human Resource Development is keen to adopt in order to further strengthen experiential learning and industry relevance within its programmes.
Speaking during an engaging session with COHRED faculty, Ms. Ilse Aerts noted that their programme is grounded in a curriculum-based learning approach that prioritizes applied knowledge, student engagement, and close alignment with industry needs.
She further noted that the institution works closely with industry partners to ensure that teaching content remains relevant, practical, and responsive to evolving labour market demands, thereby enhancing graduates’ readiness for the workplace.
“Students in finance take part in an investment bank simulation, which gives them practical exposure to financial decision-making, market analysis, and investment strategies in a real-world learning environment,” said Aerts.
Ms. Lien Pergoot further stated that both institutions stand to benefit significantly from the existing partnership, particularly through exchange programmes that enhance student mobility, cross-cultural learning, and the sharing of best practices in teaching and industry engagement.
She added that, with an already established collaboration with JKUAT’s Biotechnology program, there is potential to expand the partnership further into the social sciences, thereby broadening interdisciplinary engagement and enriching academic cooperation between the two institutions.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua, lauded the JKUAT–VIVES partnership, noting that it represents a significant step towards strengthening international collaboration and enhancing the university’s capacity to deliver globally competitive and industry-relevant academic programmes.
The Principal of the College of Human Resource Development (COHRED), Prof. Florence Mwaura, said the cooperation aligns with the college’s strategic direction of expanding international linkages and strengthening curriculum delivery through practical, industry-relevant and globally informed approaches to teaching and learning.
Prof. Mwaura also underscored the importance of knowledge exchange as a key pillar of the collaboration, alongside other areas such as joint research, curriculum development, and capacity building, which she noted would further enrich academic outcomes and institutional growth.
The visiting lecturers also had the opportunity to visit the JKUAT Mombasa Campus, where they engaged with staff and students, including holding consultative sessions with campus staff focused on curriculum development, innovative teaching methodologies, and opportunities for future academic collaboration between the two institutions.
