Egerton University and IPB University Collaborate to Advance Agriculture and Research

In a significant stride towards fostering international collaborations and bridging relations between Kenya and Indonesia, the Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya, Dr Mohamad Hery Saripudin, together with the Director of Global Connectivity at IPB University in Indonesia, Dr Eva Anggraini, paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor of Egerton University, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, on June 22, 2023. The meeting, held at the Main Campus in Njoro, aimed to map out a way forward for future partnerships between IPB University and Egerton University.

Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya, Dr Mohamad Hery Saripudin (fourth from left) and Egerton University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Isaac Kibwage (fifth from left), pose for a group photo after a meeting to discuss the collaboration between IPB University (Indonesia) and Egerton University.  

The Indonesian Ambassador, Dr Saripudin, highlighted the Embassy's role in facilitating collaboration between institutions in Kenya and Indonesia. He revealed that this year, the Embassy will be sending 16 Kenyan students to pursue Masters degrees at Indonesian universities on full scholarships. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also strengthens the academic ties between the two nations.

Dr Anggraini emphasized that the visit to Egerton University was a follow-up to a recent visit by the Kenyan Ambassador to Indonesia, Amb. Galma Boru, to IPB University. The purpose of these interactions is to foster connections between Indonesian and Kenyan institutions. IPB University, renowned for its strong history of collaborations around the world, aims to enhance partnerships with universities in Africa, particularly those in Kenya with expertise in the field of agriculture.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, the Vice Chancellor of Egerton University, welcomed the opportunity for both institutions to engage in capacity building, joint research activities, and collaborative program development, especially in areas such as animal breeding, food science and technology. Prof. Kibwage confirmed that a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was already prepared, and researchers from both universities would work together to finalize it before the official signing, scheduled to take place in August 2023 at Egerton University.

Among those present at the courtesy call were the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration Planning and Development (DVC APD), Prof. Richard Mulwa, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Patience Mshenga, the Director of Research and Extension, Prof. Nancy Mungai, and the Registrar of Academic Affairs, Prof. Mwanarusi Saidi.

Egerton University's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage (left), and the Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Mohamad Hery Saripudin (right), share a moment at Main Campus in Njoro, symbolizing the collaborative partnership between Egerton University and IPB University in Indonesia.

Prof. Mulwa, DVC APD expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, highlighting that Egerton University was already conducting research in the very areas in which IPB University sought cooperation. Prof. Patience Mshenga, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of providing more scholarship opportunities for Egerton University students.

Prof. Nancy Mungai, the Director of Research and Extension, noted that Egerton University was actively engaged in collaborative research projects with other institutions. These projects spanned a wide range of fields, including agribusiness, crop protection, engineering and manufacturing, environmental sciences, and veterinary medicine. Prof. Mwanarusi Saidi, on the other hand, warmly welcomed the collaboration between the two institutions. She recognized the mutual benefits that both Egerton University and IPB University would derive from the partnership.

This partnership between Egerton University and IPB University holds immense potential for mutual growth, knowledge exchange, and research advancement. It is expected to strengthen the educational and academic bonds between Kenya and Indonesia, fostering cultural understanding and promoting global cooperation.

By Agnes Mwangi

Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization