Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has entered a landmark collaboration with Nairobi-based e-mobility firm ARC Ride to enhance knowledge transfer, research, and skills development in the electric mobility sector.
ARC Ride, renowned for its pioneering Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model and locally assembled electric two- and three-wheelers for the boda boda sector, will work with JKUAT to exchange expertise, trainees, and researchers.
The partnership, implemented through the College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC), will integrate real- world industry insights into academic programs, ensuring that curricula and training initiatives reflect emerging technological advancements and global best practices.
The agreement will also involve joint research in e-mobility and related fields, with JKUAT set to receive e- mobility vehicles to enhance practical training and drive innovation.
Welcoming the delegation to JKUAT on August 11, 2025, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance) Prof. Bernard Ikua, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi described the collaboration as timely.
“This partnership comes at a crucial time when the demand for sustainable transport solutions is growing rapidly. By working together, we can bridge the gap between academia and industry, equipping our students and researchers with the skills and experience needed to drive Kenya’s e-mobility future,” Prof. Ngumi said.
Prof. Ngumi added that the initiative would open valuable internship opportunities, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings, gain practical skills, and build expertise to excel in the evolving e-mobility sector.
The Vice Chancellor affirmed JKUAT’s commitment to remain a leader in higher education, innovation, and entrepreneurship by fostering creativity, driving research, and equipping students with skills to address real-world challenges. Prof. Ngumi noted that the partnership with ARC Ride reflects this commitment by aligning the University’s academic strengths with industry needs to deliver sustainable impact.
ARC Ride CEO, Mr. Joseph Hurst-Croft, said the collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening the link between academia and the e-mobility industry, fostering innovation, supporting skills transfer, and accelerating the adoption of sustainable transport solutions in Kenya.
“JKUAT, renowned for producing industry-ready graduates, will further strengthen its reputation through this partnership by giving students practical experience, exposure to emerging technologies, and vital industry insights for success in the growing e-mobility sector,” he said.
As part of the agreement, ARC Ride will offer internship opportunities and potentially employment to JKUAT students.
“At ARC Ride, approximately 30% of our workforce are former interns, reflecting our commitment to nurturing talent and offering clear pathways from training to employment,” Mr. Hurst-Croft noted.
The meeting, attended by university management and ARC Ride officials, reaffirmed their shared commitment to preparing a new generation of graduates ready to shape Kenya’s sustainable transport future.
