St. Paul’s University (SPU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two Romanian institutions—University of Petrosani and Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad—in a move aimed at strengthening academic and research ties across borders.
The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at SPU’s main campus in Limuru. It was attended by top university leadership from both Kenya and Romania, as well as diplomatic representatives. SPU was represented by its Board of Management, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. James Kombo. The Romanian delegation was led by the Rector of Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, while H.E. Gentiana Serbu, the Romanian Ambassador to Kenya, was also present to witness the event.
“This partnership represents our continued commitment to positioning St. Paul’s University as a global player in higher education,” said Prof. Kombo during the ceremony. He emphasized that the MoU would open doors for SPU students and faculty to engage in meaningful cross-cultural academic exchanges.
According to SPU’s official communication, the agreement is geared towards deepening collaboration in several strategic areas. These include joint research for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, faculty exchange programmes, joint training initiatives, collaborative grant applications, academic symposia, and shared dissemination of research outcomes. It also sets the stage for regular lectures and international meetings involving faculty and students from the partner institutions.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Gentiana Serbu expressed optimism about the partnership, noting that it reflects Romania’s growing interest in fostering educational ties with African institutions. “Kenya continues to be a key partner for Romania in matters of education and innovation,” she said. “This agreement is a step towards a future of joint growth and academic excellence.”
Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad is no stranger to international collaborations. In 2019, it entered into a similar agreement with EPOKA University in Albania, focusing on joint research and academic programme development. That track record, coupled with the University of Petrosani’s expertise in engineering and technical disciplines, sets a strong foundation for impactful academic exchange.
SPU has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to such partnerships. In June 2023, it inked a deal with KCA University aimed at driving research and innovation. In another instance from February 2024, SPU partnered with the All Africa Conference of Churches to jointly deliver a Master of Theology program in Ecumenical Leadership.
