UoN signs six collaborative agreements with Indian universities

 University of Nairobi signed six collaborative agreements with Indian universities. This is in in a bid to strengthen the 60 year old partnership between the University of Nairobi and the India.

This was done when a delegation led by Ms. Dave Vibhavari Vijay, Honorable Minister of State, Women and Children Welfare, Education (Primary and Higher Education) and Pilgrimage on February 14, 2020 when she paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor.

Speaking during the event, Ms. Vijay opined that there needs to be deeper collaboration and exchange programs between University of Nairobi staff and students. “We have a vibrant education system, technology and innovation system in India where students’ technology and innovation ideas are funded to the tune of two billion rupees. We have excellent opportunities for staff and students to explore,“ she said. Ms. Vijay noted that university system of education yearn for knowledge, growth and development. She observed that Kenya and India have bonds that cannot be broken.

Prof. Himanshu Pandya, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat University, highlighted the high number of patents that they have been able to register as a university. “We have 500 patents in the last two years. Patent’s feed and copyright are fully funded by the government. We are seeking staff and students research collaboration with the University of Nairobi, “he said.

Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, Chancellor, University of Nairobi highlighted the long standing relations between Kenya and India long before the meter gauge railway was constructed in the 1900. The 100 year old railway was built by labourers from India. “Recently, we have had business interests like Barti Airtel and medical tourism.  Hundreds of Kenyans seek medical care in India,” she said.  The Chancellor, highlighted contributions of the Indian community to the University of Nairobi including construction of Mahatma Gandhi building, Mahatma Gandhi Graduate Library among others. She revealed that the next frontier of partnership is on education sector, which will be beneficial to the citizens of the two countries.

University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama, supported the initiative saying that the University will be more interested in exploring the enormous opportunities for staff and students. Areas of collaborations that were suggested include: agriculture, medicine, education, health sciences, oil and gas, engineering, innovation, humanities and social sciences among others.

The University of Nairobi signed MoUs with the following Indian Universities: Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Niram University, Gujarat, Ahmedabad University, RK. University, Gujarat University and  Ahmedabad University.

 Earlier on, the Indian delegation inspected the development projects that have been funded by the Indian Government, key among them Mahatma Gandhi Graduate Library. The Graduate Library was refurbished courtesy of a 100M grant from the Indian government.