NAKURU, Kenya – Egerton University and China’s Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU) have renewed their longstanding partnership, extending a 30-year collaboration that has spurred academic research, joint degree programs, and cross-cultural exchange between Kenya and China.
The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at Egerton’s Njoro Main Campus, will run from July 2025 to July 2030.
It is expected to deepen cooperation in scientific research, teaching, and institutional development, with plans underway to establish a Nanjing Agricultural University Africa Campus at Egerton.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage hailed the renewed agreement as a transformative step for higher education in Kenya and the continent.
“This partnership will build human capital, enhance digital skills, and strengthen institutional capacity across both universities,” he said, noting the collaboration aligns with a bold new 50-50 cooperation model between Chinese and African institutions.
Prof. Kibwage confirmed that both institutions are awaiting approval from Kenya’s Commission for University Education (CUE) on NAU’s proposal to open its African campus at Egerton—a move that could make Kenya a key hub for agricultural education on the continent.
Plans for Confucius Institute Global Alliance
As part of the agreement, Egerton has also been selected to lead the formation of the Global Alliance of Confucius Institutes with Agricultural Characteristics, expected to launch in November 2025.
The alliance will unite Confucius Institutes globally that specialize in agriculture and applied sciences.
“This platform will help us expand our influence beyond agriculture and into interdisciplinary research and development,” said Prof. Kibwage, pledging Egerton’s mentorship and technical support to other alliance members.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The renewed deal focuses on:
- Joint research and academic programs
- Staff and student exchanges
- Capacity building and professional development
- Resource sharing and technical collaboration
- Collaborative degree offerings at Master’s and PhD level
- Community outreach and extension services
Prof. Zhu Yan, Vice President of NAU, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Chinese university, said the move comes at a time when international academic partnerships are critical for graduate employability and knowledge transfer.
“Our joint courses and training programs will address the growing demand for skilled professionals across Africa, especially in the agriculture and technology sectors,” said Prof. Zhu.
Legacy of Partnership
The Egerton–NAU collaboration began in 1995 and has since yielded several joint research initiatives and degree programs.
The institutions also signed a letter of intent in September 2024 to develop an African campus, followed by NAU’s formal application to the CUE in March 2025.
Egerton, Kenya’s oldest university, has increasingly gained international acclaim for research and innovation.
It recently earned global recognition at the Huawei ICT Competition and China’s International College Students’ Innovation Competition, where its students placed third worldwide.
NAU, a top-50 university in China with roots dating back to 1902, is renowned for its contributions to agricultural science and high-impact research, with numerous publications in Science and Nature.
Strengthening Kenya–China Education Ties
The extended partnership highlights growing educational and diplomatic ties between Kenya and China.
In recent years, China has provided scholarships, launched Confucius Institutes, and supported technical training in Kenya’s universities.
More Kenyan students are now studying in Chinese institutions, while Kenyan universities are attracting Chinese students in return.
Through the new MoU, Egerton aims to tap into China’s vocational training networks and emerging tech industries to strengthen local capacity and improve graduate outcomes.
“This isn’t just about research and teaching—it’s about preparing our students for the global stage,” Prof. Kibwage said.
