Egerton University had the honour of hosting a delegation led by the President of Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU), Prof. Chen Fadi, and Mr. Zhang Yijun, the Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, on the 18th and 19th of September. This official two-day visitation marked another significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between Egerton University and Nanjing Agricultural University, reaffirming their commitment to collaborative efforts in various academic and research endeavours.
The delegation from Nanjing Agricultural University included Dean of the College of International Education Prof. Han Jiqin, Director of the Office of International Relations Prof. Chen Jie, and Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute Prof. Liu Yutao,
This group engaged in a series of enriching activities during their visit to Egerton University. They were warmly received by Egerton University's leadership, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Bernard Aduda, acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration Planning & Development) Prof. Richard Mulwa, Kenya Director of the Confucius Institute Prof. Joshua Ogweno, and the Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization Prof. Paul Kimurto.
The tour commenced with a visit to the Crop Molecular and Biotechnology Laboratory, where the delegates had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge research facilities. This laboratory, established in collaboration with Nanjing Agricultural University in 2019 under the Belt and Road Initiative., serves as a hub for innovative crop research.
The delegation also had the privilege of touring the Agro-Science Park and the Egerton Confucius Institute, which plays a pivotal role in promoting the Chinese language and culture in the region.
On the following day, the delegation paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor of Egerton University, Prof. Isaac Kibwage. This meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration. NAU President Prof. Fadi expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between the two universities, particularly highlighting the Crop Molecular and Biotechnology Laboratory's success and the potential for future collaboration in areas such as sustainable agriculture, post-harvest management, and climate change.
Prof. Fadi commended Egerton University's rich history of partnership with Nanjing Agricultural University, noting that 126 staff and students have benefited from exchange programmes since 2003. He acknowledged the importance of the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness Management (CESAAM), which has played a vital role in capacity building.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage expressed his enthusiasm for future collaborations with Nanjing Agricultural University and the Chinese Government. He acknowledged the significant contributions to research and teaching capacity building that Egerton University has gained from these partnerships over the years.
Following the courtesy call, the delegation participated in the 2023 Board Meeting of the Confucius Institute, chaired by Prof. Kibwage. During this meeting, the activities and plans of the Egerton University Confucius Institute for the next 12 months were presented, highlighting the institute's commitment to fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
The visit by the President of Nanjing Agricultural University and his distinguished faculty members underscores the deep-rooted relationship between Egerton University and NAU. It reflects the commitment of both institutions to advancing knowledge, research, and cultural exchange.
