Egerton University, Njoro – July 24, 2025 | By KURIAN MUSA
Egerton University has reaffirmed its commitment to international collaboration by renewing its long-standing partnership with Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU) of China. The partnership, which began in 1997, was formally strengthened during a high-level meeting held at the Chancellor's Boardroom on Thursday, July 24.
Egerton University Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage presents a handcrafted soapstone carving of the Big Five to Prof. Zhu Yan, Vice President of Nanjing Agricultural University, as a gesture of goodwill and a symbol of Kenya’s rich heritage in wildlife conservation and tourism. Other members of the Chinese delegation also received similar cultural gifts during the courtesy call at the Chancellor’s Boardroom.
Egerton University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, hosted a visiting delegation from NAU led by Vice President Prof. Zhu Yan. The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation through a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will run from 2025 to 2030. As the renewed MoU takes effect, Egerton University and Nanjing Agricultural University are poised to champion a transformative model of cooperation grounded in mutual benefit, global academic exchange, and sustainable development.
"I am happy with the progress we have made together. This is to have joint research activities and also to develop joint degree programmes, especially at Masters and PhD level," said Prof. Kibwage.
The NAU delegation included Shi Song, Director of the International Office and Dean of the College of International Education; Cao Aizhong, Dean of Academic Affairs; Zhang Ruifu, Dean of the School of Resources and Environment; and Yao Hong, Section Chief in charge of General Affairs in the International Education division.
The renewed MoU introduces a bold 50-50 cooperation model between Chinese and African institutions of higher learning. According to Prof. Kibwage, both institutions agreed to explore new forms of collaboration that would broaden the scope of their engagement, strengthen institutional capacity, and advance teaching, research, and community extension.
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the proposal to establish a Nanjing Agricultural University–Africa Campus, potentially hosted at Egerton University. This vision was first formalized in September 2024 when both institutions signed a letter of intent, followed by NAU's application to the Commission for University Education (CUE) in March 2025. The university is now awaiting feedback from the Commission.
"If joint degree programmes are to be offered, I believe they shall follow CUE regulations,"said Prof. Kibwage. He further proposed that as plans for the African campus progress, Egerton University could host the programme office or set up a collaboration centre to coordinate activities, including those of the Confucius Institute.
Egerton is no stranger to joint programmes. The university already runs a joint degree programme in Limnology, under the leadership of Professor Nzula Kitaka, who also serves as Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization.
Among the initial activities proposed to launch the enhanced collaboration are the development of institutional facilities, the facilitation of staff and student exchange visits, and the implementation of joint PhD programmes.
The two institutions also plan to co-organise short courses, engage in collaborative research, and strengthen the Sino-Kenyan Belt and Road Laboratory for Crop Molecular Biology, a key hub for biotechnological innovation.
Prof. Kibwage commended the achievements of the Confucius Institute at Egerton University, especially in its efforts to promote Chinese language education in the region. He noted that Egerton is currently operating four Chinese learning classrooms and outstations located at Kilimo Primary School, Lions Primary School, Roots Academy, and Kabarak University Town Campus.
With Chinese now a recognized subject under Kenya's Competency-Based Education and Curriculum, the demand for qualified Chinese language instructors is rising sharply.
Prof. Kibwage emphasized that relying solely on Chinese professionals and volunteer teachers is not sustainable in the long run. “There is a need to train more local Chinese language teachers,” he said, underlining the importance of building local capacity.
Another major development from the meeting was the announcement that Egerton University has been selected to lead the formation of the Global Alliance of Confucius Institutes with Agricultural Characteristics.
The alliance, scheduled for launch in November 2025, aims to bring together Confucius Institutes around the world with a focus on agriculture and applied sciences.
"Egerton will serve as a mentor and provide capacity building and expertise to alliance members when called upon,” said Prof. Kibwage. He added that through this platform, the university will extend its global influence beyond agriculture, fostering interdisciplinary partnerships and research collaborations.
The meeting also brought together key members of Egerton University's senior leadership, who shared valuable perspectives on the institution's strategic direction, implementation capacity, and potential for deepening international collaboration.
Present at the discussions were Prof. Bernard Aduda, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Research and Extension; Prof. Richard Mulwa, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Finance and Planning; Prof. George Owuor, Director of Research; Prof. Mwanarusi Saidi, Registrar Academic Affairs.
Others were; Prof. Daniel Auka, Director of Linkages and Collaborations; and Dr. Kirui Kibet Bernard, Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Resource Development.