Prof. Ngumi (2nd right) interacts with Ms. Eda after the meeting.
A delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visited JKUAT as part of their efforts to strengthen JKUAT’s capacity in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). The delegation led by Africa-ai-Japan Project Chief Advisor, Prof. Hiroshi Koaze discussed the activities of the project and the milestones the project has achieved so far.
According to Prof. Koaze the project is keen in strengthening the human resource capacity and has so far sent nine candidates to Japanese universities to undertake their post-graduate studies.
“One of the outputs of the second phase of the Africa-ai-Japan project is to enhance the education and research capacity of this university, especially in STI. To achieve this, we have sent 9 students to Japan for their masters and PhD studies,” reported Prof. Koaze.
Although provision of equipment was limited to those available locally due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Prof. Koaze assured the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi that the project intends to strengthen the purchase of equipment and the upgrading of facilities to ensure the project achieves its goals.
While highlighting the long relationship between JKUAT and JICA, Prof. Ngumi said JKUAT will continue to cherish the long standing partnership the University has with the Government of Japan and work towards making it more beneficial and stronger in a bid to achieving sustainable socio-economic development for the country and region.
She further said the collaboration and equipping of the laboratories with modern equipment has enabled JKUAT to undertake practical-oriented training, thus producing quality graduates who are well sought after by the industry.
Prof. Ngumi lauded the project’s effort of linking the University with industry saying, “apart from the human resource capacity building, I am glad to note that the project, through the bi-weekly webinars, is spearheading industrial linkages and global partnerships.”
The meeting was also addressed by JICA Headquarter Official, Ms. Ikue Eda and Project Formulation Advisor (Education), JICA Kenya Office, Ms. Mika Okamura who thanked JKUAT for the unwavering support they have accorded the project.
“JICA is delighted because of the strong partnership and collaborations that has been showcased in the implementation of the project. Our aim is to build on this and develop a research and innovation network between JKUAT, PAUSTI, and research institutions in Africa, Japan and other regions of the world,” said Ms. Eda.
She further welcomed the participation of JKUAT in the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development, set for 2022 in Tunisia.
Present during the meeting were the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension (RPE) Prof. Mary Abukutsa, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs Prof. Robert Kinyua, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Jackson Kwanza, Acting Registrar, Administration and Finance, Dr. Rose Githu, JICA Kenya Office Official, Mr. Yuji Takahashi and Dr. Shohei Aoki of Africa-ai-Japan Project.
Source: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology