Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Tokyo City University (TCU) have formalized an academic collaboration agreement aimed at enhancing postgraduate training while fostering joint research in materials engineering.
A delegation from TCU, led by Prof. Ai Momozawa, paid a courtesy call on the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Robert Kinyua, on July 22, 2025, to officially hand over the signed agreement. The visit also marked the launch of a scholarship initiative through which TCU will offer three fully funded opportunities for outstanding JKUAT graduates to pursue MSc and PhD studies in Japan.
“We are very pleased with the collaboration with Tokyo City University. The partnership is a great opportunity for our students and researchers. We are keen to see impactful outcomes, particularly in research and innovation,” said Prof. Kinyua.
Under the agreement, one student from the College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC) is expected to commence MSc studies at TCU in September 2026. Two additional students will join the programme in 2027 and 2028. These scholars will act as ambassadors of the partnership, contributing to the advancement of joint research between the two institutions.
Prof. Momozawa reaffirmed TCU’s commitment to the partnership, expressing enthusiasm for the new phase of collaboration.
“We are excited to welcome the first group of students and look forward to a fruitful partnership in materials engineering,” said Prof. Momozawa.
On his part, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Production and Extension), Dr. Hiram Ndiritu, stated that the initiative opens a pathway for knowledge exchange and will lay a strong foundation for sustained research growth and internationalization.
Prof. Momozawa, who is also a JICA expert, was accompanied by Dr. Satofumi Maruyama, also from TCU. The two will be based at JKUAT for one week starting July 21, to initiate collaborative research activities in materials engineering.
The visit by TCU delegation was organized with the support of the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project.
AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project Chief Advisor, Prof. Hiroshi Koaze, noted that JKUAT has, over the years, cultivated a strong and productive relationship with Japanese universities.
“This collaboration with Tokyo City University reflects the continued trust and mutual commitment between our institutions. It is our hope that such partnerships will continue to grow, to promote academic excellence, research innovation, and capacity building,” said Prof. Koaze.