Egerton University has reaffirmed its commitment to international research collaboration and higher education partnerships following participation in the IMPACT-HE Leadership Forum held in Nairobi.The University was represented by Director of Research and Extension, Prof George Owuor, who attended the forum at Safari Park Hotel on behalf of Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Kibwage between May 6 and 7, 2026.The high-level forum brought together universities, policy experts, researchers, development partners, and diplomatic representatives from Africa and Europe to discuss the future of higher education cooperation and research impact.
The meeting focused on the IMPACT-HE project, an initiative that seeks to strengthen partnerships between African and European universities while promoting innovation, policy engagement, and sustainable development.The discussions were graced by Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, Shaukat Abdulrazak, alongside representatives from universities across Kenya and Africa, the European Commission, the French Embassy, the Italian Embassy, and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
During the forum, participants explored how universities can better measure and communicate the impact of research and academic cooperation on society and the economy. The discussions also highlighted the growing role of African universities in driving local and regional development through innovation, policy research, and industry collaboration.
Prof Owuor noted that the engagement provided an important platform for strengthening international partnerships that can benefit researchers, students, and institutions at Egerton University.Key discussions at the forum centered on building stronger connections between universities and industry, expanding academic networks, and enhancing innovation ecosystems within higher education institutions.
Participants emphasized the need for African universities to move beyond traditional teaching roles and become active centers for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community transformation.
The forum also highlighted the importance of shared research infrastructure, including joint laboratories and collaborative research platforms, to support cutting-edge scientific discoveries and technology development.
Several international academic networks were presented as opportunities for African universities to expand collaboration and mobility programmes. These included the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), the Association of African Universities (AAU), the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), and the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM).
Representatives from the French and Italian embassies shared opportunities for scholarships, student mobility, and research exchange programmes. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) also introduced new academic networking and mobility initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation between African and European institutions.
The forum further underscored the importance of translating university research into practical solutions that address societal challenges while supporting economic growth.
For Egerton University, participation in the IMPACT-HE Leadership Forum reflects the institution’s continued investment in global academic engagement and research excellence.
The engagement is expected to open new pathways for collaborative research, innovation partnerships, student exchange programmes, and international funding opportunities that will enhance the University’s contribution to science, technology, and sustainable development in Kenya and beyond.
