Mathieu Guerin, Ph.D., the France Attaché for Science and Higher Education and Deputy Head of Cooperation in Kenya, paid a courtesy visit to Egerton University. Upon his arrival, he was warmly received by Professor Benard Aduda, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Professor Richard Mulwa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration Planning and Development.
The visit marked an important opportunity for dialogue and collaboration between Egerton University and the French Embassy, further strengthening the ties between the two institutions in the fields of science, higher education, and cooperation.
Their primary focus was on exploring potential areas of partnership in agricultural education and research.
The meeting began with Professor Wilkister Moturi highlighting the longstanding four-year relationship between Egerton University and French institutions. She emphasized the significance of their bond, which had already resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during a visit to Sobon University in France back in 2019. Encouraged by the successes achieved through their collaboration thus far, Professor Moturi expressed the university's enthusiasm for exploring further avenues of cooperation with French institutions.
Representing Professor Nancy Mungai, the Director of Research at Egerton University, the Director of CMRT Prof. Samuel Munga emphasized the importance of research activities during the meeting. He revealed that the French National Research System had reached out to Egerton University during an election period, prompting the need to revive and expand their research engagement. Professor Munga expressed a strong desire to explore additional research opportunities with their French counterparts.
Drawing from his experience as the former chair of the university conference, Professor Richard Mulwa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration Planning and Development, acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Egerton University and the French Embassy. He recalled the embassy's past support, which included providing awards to the university. Professor Mulwa affirmed that Egerton University, like other Kenyan public institutions, had faced funding challenges. However, these challenges did not deter their commitment to research and collaboration.
Another prominent participant, Professor Paul Kimurto, highlighted the significant role of the Agro Science Park in addressing food security concerns in Kenya. He stressed the importance of developing drought-tolerant and disease-resistant crops to mitigate the effects of climate change. Professor Kimurto expressed his belief that Egerton University's expertise and research efforts would contribute significantly to improving agricultural practices in the country.
Professor Aduda, the DVC of Academic Affairs, emphasized the need to deepen the relationship with the French Embassy and maintain strong contacts. He emphasized the cultural effect of land inheritance, which has led to continued land subdivision and rendered agricultural land non-arable. He expressed the university's commitment to finding sustainable solutions and welcomed the embassy's support in sharing knowledge and best practices with farmers.
The representative from the French Embassy reiterated the importance of meaningful partnerships between French and Kenyan institutions. He acknowledged the global challenge of climate change and emphasized that it extended beyond Africa alone. The representative acknowledged Europe's responsibility in combating this issue and expressed the embassy's desire to enhance the exchange of academics and students between France and Kenya, fostering cross-cultural learning and research collaboration.
Recognizing the financial constraints faced by Egerton University and other Kenyan public universities, the French Embassy representative highlighted their increasing reliance on European Union (EU) funding. He revealed that EU funding required active participation and involvement from both African partners together and European partners. He acknowledged Kenya's research capabilities, along with South Africa, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Ghana, making them valuable partners for future collaborations.
Mathieu Guerin, Phd later met researchers at the University Research Centre for possible collaborations of research. The researcher sought to know the kind of proposals the French Embassy is looking forward to fund.
Fielding questions from the researchers, Dr Mathieu Guerin challenged the University dons to consider doing joint research with the European partners in order to understand better how the funding model works. He took his time to explain that the funding does not pay salaries but support per diems, training, workshops, and equipment among others.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both Egerton University and the French Embassy to strengthen their collaboration. Both parties expressed their desire to explore joint research projects and enhance academic exchange programs.
Director Marketing and Resource Mobilization Prof Paul Kimurto termed the meeting between Egerton University and the French Embassy as a significant milestone in advancing agricultural education and research in Kenya.
“As the country's agricultural landscape continues to evolve and face the challenges of climate change and food security,” he said while taking Dr Mathieu Guerin in a field trip at the Agro-Science Park. He was accompanied by the University Head of Resource Mobilization Moses Ouma.
