By Agnes Mwangi
On April 18, 2024, Egerton University had the privilege of hosting Mr. Ma Xin, the Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province in China. Mr. Ma Xin's visit was part of a broader tour of Nakuru County and was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage.
Prof. Kibwage showcased Egerton University's rich history, impressive research portfolio and its extensive collaborations with Nanjing Agricultural University a leading university in Jiangsu Province. This partnership, established in 1993, has spurred numerous joint research projects and academic exchanges, enriching both institutions and promoting cultural understanding.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage and Jiangsu Province Vice Governor Mr. Ma Xin lead their respective delegations in a group photo at Egerton University. The visit by the Vice Governor on April 18 2024, marks a renewed commitment to ongoing collaboration between Chinese and Kenyan universities, with a focus on academic exchanges, joint research projects and technology transfer in the agricultural sector.
One of the significant outcomes of this collaboration is the China-Kenya Joint Laboratory for Crop Molecular Biology, led by Prof. Richard Mulwa. This laboratory is at the forefront of agricultural research, developing innovative solutions to boost food production. Similarly, the China-Kenya Belt and Road Agro-Science Park, spearheaded by Prof. Paul Kimurto, and the agro-focused Confucius Institute, under Prof. Joshua Ogweno, further cement Egerton University's commitment to academic excellence and international collaborations.
During his visit, Prof. Kibwage emphasized the importance of technology transfer from China to Kenya to enhance agricultural training and education. "Such support is integral to fortifying our agricultural education and training initiatives, ultimately contributing to heightened food security and poverty alleviation in our region," he noted.
Mr. Ma Xin expressed his enthusiasm for continued collaboration, more scholarships, staff and student exchange programmes, joint research initiatives and technology transfer to foster stronger ties between Kenyan and Chinese universities. His visit underscored the importance of global partnerships in advancing education and research, paving the way for a more connected and innovative academic community.
