On August 1, 2024, the Israeli Deputy Ambassador to Kenya, Ariel Arviv, visited Egerton University to discuss ongoing and future collaborations. This visit marks a significant step in the long-standing partnership between Egerton University and the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT) in Israel, which has been in place since 2013.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage leads the Egerton University team in a group photo with Israeli Deputy Ambassador Ariel Arviv following their meeting on August 1, 2024. The discussions focused on enhancing ongoing and future collaborations with the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT).
The collaboration with AICAT has provided invaluable hands-on training for Egerton students in the field of agriculture. Through this program, selected students gain practical experience by working on farms and with farmer organizations in the Arava region for five days a week, supplemented by one day of classroom instruction at AICAT.
Deputy Ambassador Arviv's visit began with a meeting at the TAGDev Centre with Prof. Patience Mshenga, (Dean, Faculty of Agriculture). They were joined by Prof. Nancy Mungai, (acting Director, Research & Extension); Prof. Micah Chepchieng’ (Director, Board of Undergraduate Studies); Prof. James Ondieki, (Chair, Department of Animal Science); and several other faculty members including Dr. Joseph O. Anyango, Dr. John Nduko, Dr. Miriam Charimbu, Dr. Peninah Ngoda, and Dr. Kaikai Khakame. The discussions centred on challenges faced by students and strategies to address them. Alumni of the Egerton-AICAT program, William Ochieng, Joseph Mokaya, and Kelvin Mungai, shared their experiences and insights.
The Egerton University faculty and AICAT Alumni, pose with Israeli Deputy Ambassador Ariel Arviv after their meeting at the TAGDev Centre on August 1, 2024. The discussions centred on addressing student challenges and strategies for future collaborations with AICAT.
The meeting concluded with a courtesy call at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, where the Deputy Ambassador, accompanied by Mashav Officer Ms. Stella Wakesho, met with the Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage, along with Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics, Research & Extension) Prof. Bernard Aduda and Director Marketing & Resource Mobilization Prof. Nzula Kitaka. This visit reaffirms the commitment to strengthening the collaborative efforts between Egerton University and AICAT, ensuring continued support and development for students in agricultural training.
By Agnes Mwangi
