On April 7, 2025, Chuka University welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Sino-African Joint Research Centre (SAJOREC), Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The visit marked the beginning of what is set to be a transformative collaboration between the institutions, focused on advancing research and innovation in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and environmental management.
The delegation, led by Prof. Yan Xue from the China Academy of Sciences and accompanied by Prof. Erustus Kanga, the Director General of KWS, engaged in productive discussions with the university’s management team, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Mutembei. The meeting explored several key areas for future cooperation, including joint research projects that aim to tackle the pressing environmental challenges faced by the region.
A primary focus of the discussions was the potential for collaborative research in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration. These areas are critical not only to Kenya’s long-term environmental sustainability but also to the broader African continent, where preserving biodiversity and combating climate change remain urgent priorities. The possibility of establishing exchange programs for both students and academic staff was also a key topic, with an emphasis on building bridges for global research cooperation and fostering cultural understanding.
In welcoming the delegation, Prof. Mutembei expressed his excitement about the partnership, calling it a milestone for Chuka University in strengthening its global research linkages. He emphasized that this collaboration aligns with Kenya’s sustainable development goals and the country’s agenda to address pressing environmental challenges through practical and applicable research. Prof. Mutembei also reiterated the importance of empowering communities through scientific research that can lead to tangible solutions for everyday challenges.
From the Chinese side, Prof. Yan Xue spoke highly of the potential for long-term collaboration between Chuka University and the institutions in China, citing shared interests in ecological protection and scientific innovation. He noted that such partnerships are crucial for addressing global environmental concerns and are aligned with China’s broader international research strategy. Prof. Xue expressed optimism that the partnership would lead to substantial advancements in both ecological research and the training of future leaders in environmental sciences.
Prof. Kanga of KWS also highlighted the value of building these partnerships, noting that linking regional universities like Chuka University with global research institutions is vital for advancing scientific innovation and ecological preservation. He stressed the importance of knowledge exchange for mutual benefit, particularly in the context of regional conservation efforts. Prof. Kanga, a noted expert in conservation, further emphasized that these types of collaborations could significantly enhance Kenya’s capacity to protect its rich biodiversity.
This visit is not only a step toward deepening research collaboration but also aligns with the broader Africa-China cooperation framework, particularly in the context of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). This framework highlights the need for mutual development and cooperation, particularly in areas such as environmental sustainability, which has become a focal point of global partnerships.
Source: Chuka University News
