New JKUAT–VIVES Initiative to Transform Entrepreneurship Education – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi delivers her remarks during the virtual discussions between JKUAT and VIVES University of Applied Sciences.*

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and VIVES University of Applied Sciences of Belgium, have expanded their current partnership to include the College of Human Resource Development (COHRED), thus broadening collaboration in academic and professional training.

The expanded partnership builds on existing areas of cooperation in Wildlife Management and Animal Science, Biotechnology, Nursing and Mamalink (intersectoral synergy for maternal and child health project), and while introducing Business and Entrepreneurship as a new area of collaboration.

Through the partnership, the College, particularly the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, will enhance its curriculum by shifting from a predominantly theoretical approach to a more practice-oriented model of teaching, equipping students with industry-relevant skills and entrepreneurial competencies.

*Tine Ternest, Head of the Global Engagement Office at VIVES.*

As part of the initiative, staff from JKUAT and VIVES jointly developed a project dubbed: “A Self-Sustaining Student-Led Bakery Pilot,” which will provide students with a real-world platform to sharpen their entrepreneurial, managerial, and technical skills, while applying classroom knowledge in a practical business setting.

Under the project, students will manage the bakery, gaining hands-on experience in business operations and entrepreneurship. The initiative will also promote knowledge exchange between JKUAT and VIVES staff through collaboration and the sharing of best practices.

Principal of the College of Human Resource Development (COHRED), Prof. Florence Mwaura, displays the signed collaboration agreement to formalize the expanded partnership between JKUAT and VIVES University.

Speaking during the virtual signing ceremony, JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi, described the new partnership as a significant milestone that reflects the growing collaboration between the two institutions and its expanding impact across different academic disciplines.

“Our collaboration journey began in June 2022, with the signing of a partnership agreement and has since facilitated numerous staff and student exchange programmes, strengthening academic cooperation and mutual learning between our institutions,” said Prof. Ngumi.

Prof. Ngumi noted that the inclusion of Business and Entrepreneurship marks an important expansion of the partnership and will create new opportunities for experiential learning, innovation, and capacity building.

*Ms. Lies Verstraete, Global Engagement Officer at VIVES (top right), leads the VIVES delegation during the virtual partnership meeting.*

Tine Ternest, Head of the Global Engagement Office at VIVES University of Applied Sciences, thanked everyone who contributed to making the partnership possible and noted that the collaboration presents even greater opportunities for both institutions to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Lies Verstraete, Global Engagement Officer at VIVES, said the signing of the new collaboration reflects the strong mutual confidence and trust between the two institutions, as well as their shared commitment to advancing practical, industry-focused education.

*Jan Labbe, Director of Education and Students at VIVES University of Applied Sciences, displays the signed collaboration agreement.*

She added that the partnership has grown steadily over the years through the resilience, commitment, and dedication of everyone involved.

“Our mission at VIVES has always been to create meaningful impact together with JKUAT since the inception of our partnership. We believe this partnership will continue to foster innovation, strengthen academic collaboration, and create lasting benefits for both institutions,” Ms. Verstraete said.

Since signing the partnership agreement in 2022, JKUAT and VIVES have facilitated numerous staff and student exchanges, joint research, teaching, and internships across multiple disciplines.

The inclusion of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship marks another milestone in the partnership, reinforcing both institutions’ commitment to practical, industry-oriented education and global collaboration.

The collaboration agreement was signed by the Principal of the College of Human Resource Development (COHRED), Prof. Florence Mwaura on behalf of JKUAT and Jan Labbe, Director of Education and Students at VIVES University of Applied Sciences, on behalf of VIVES, marking a new chapter in the institutions’ growing partnership.