October 6, 2024
Egerton University is set to benefit from an enhanced relationship with the Chinese Embassy and Nanjing Agricultural University following the recent visit by Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage, Vice Chancellor of Egerton University, to the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi. The visit took place during a celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the embassy's founding, attended by various foreign dignitaries and high-ranking Kenyan government officials.
In his address, Prof. Kibwage expressed his gratitude to the Chinese Ambassador for increasing the number of Chinese Ambassador Scholarships awarded to Egerton University students from 10 to 20 in 2024. These scholarships are expected to boost the university's academic profile by providing more students with opportunities for advanced studies. This increase reflects China's growing commitment to nurturing the next generation of African leaders, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage, Vice Chancellor of Egerton University (Second left), poses with the Chinese Ambassador alongside dignitaries, Egerton University Confucius Institute Chinese director (Right) and high-ranking officials during the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi. The event marked a renewed commitment to collaboration between Egerton University and Chinese institutions under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.(Photo: Courtesy)
As part of FOCAC's commitment to enhancing China-Africa ties, Egerton University has been paired with Nanjing Agricultural University under the China-Africa 100 Universities Cooperation Plan. Launched during the recent China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue, the plan extends the previous China-Africa Universities 20+20 Cooperation Plan, which connected 20 Chinese and 20 African universities. The latest initiative, unveiled at the FOCAC Summit held from September 4-6, 2024, in Beijing, now aims to link 50 Chinese universities with 50 African counterparts, with an emphasis on key areas of cooperation.
A major highlight of the collaboration between Egerton and Nanjing Agricultural University is the Kenya-China Joint Laboratory for Crop Molecular Biology. Initially launched in 2016 as a "Belt and Road Joint Laboratory," this facility was elevated to the "China-Kenya Belt and Road Crop Molecular Biology Laboratory" in 2019. Situated at Egerton University, it remains the leading crop molecular biology laboratory in East Africa, focusing on screening new crop varieties, exploring germplasm resources, and training researchers. The laboratory has significantly strengthened Egerton’s capacity for research in molecular biology, bolstering the university's reputation in agricultural innovation.
The Confucius Institute at Egerton University has also played a vital role in promoting agricultural education, Teaching Chinese Language and technology transfer. Through its programs, Egerton has been able to benefit from technical training in China, which helps enhance agricultural practices in Kenya. This aligns well with the goals of the FOCAC, which seeks to optimize educational resources and build robust institutional linkages between Chinese and African universities.
Egerton University Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage (Left) warmly greets the Chinese Ambassador upon arrival, signifying the strong partnership between the two institutions at the Embassy’s 75th-anniversary celebration in Nairobi.(Photo: Courtesy)
The recently adopted FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) further solidifies the commitment between China and Africa to expand cooperation in key areas, including higher education, research, and health. Notably, the plan also promises enhanced support for training African medical professionals to independently perform complex surgical procedures such as neurosurgery and cardiac surgery. This development is set to complement the vocational training for medical technicians and support staff, thereby broadening the scope of China-Africa collaboration in the health sector.
The expansion of FOCAC initiatives, such as the 100 Universities Cooperation Plan, aligns with the strategic goals of Egerton University to foster international partnerships and advance its research capabilities. This will provide a solid foundation for further academic exchanges, research collaborations, and technological transfers between Egerton University and Nanjing Agricultural University, enhancing the university's growth trajectory.
Prof. Kibwage's visit to the Embassy of China to Kenya, underscores Egerton University's commitment to exploring opportunities within the FOCAC framework, leveraging these partnerships to promote sustainable development in Kenya and foster a stronger relationship with China.
By Kurian Musa
Communications Officer
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
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