Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has welcomed the first cohort of students from Vives University of Applied Sciences, Belgium, as part of a high-impact exchange program focused on animal sciences and veterinary assistance.
The exchange program, running from March 24 to April 6, 2025, brought a delegation of 31 students and three lecturers—Dr. Ella Engels, Dr. Filip Wouters, and Dr. Mieke Calus, who led the group to JKUAT for knowledge exchage. The group also took time to visit other areas across the country relevant to their studies. The visit provided a platform for cross-cultural academic exchange and hands-on learning, allowing the students to experience JKUAT’s academic environment while gaining practical insights into the animal sciences and veterinary assistance departments.
Dr. James Micah Onsando, the Chair of the JKUAT Council, emphasized the significance of the exchange programme, stating, “You are the future leaders of tomorrow. You have every reason to feel proud for being part of the right institution at the right time. JKUAT is a place where innovation thrives, and your experience here will equip you with the skills and vision to lead in your respective fields.”
He further encouraged the visiting students to pick the positives from the university and provide constructive feedback on the other areas of improvement.
“Our growth as an institution depends on the collaboration and insights shared by our global partners,” said Dr. Onsando.
Dr. Onsando also highlighted the critical importance of universities engaging in resource-sharing and benchmarking, emphasizing that collaboration and resource-sharing are essential. He added that such partnerships serve as a model for producing top-tier professionals capable of addressing global challenges.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi warmly welcomed the Vives delegation.
“It is a pleasure to have you all here at JKUAT. We are proud to host such a talented group of students and faculty members. This exchange programme marks an exciting chapter in our continued efforts to build meaningful international partnerships,” said Prof. Ngumi.
Prof. lauded the collaboration between the two institutions, highlighting its potential to foster future research and innovation in animal sciences.
“Our partnership with Vives University will forster international cooperation in advancing academic and professional excellence. Through this exchange, we continue to build a network that will benefit not only our students but also the global community,” said Prof. Ngumi.