Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and the University of Windsor (UOW), a leading Canadian institution, held high-level talks on Monday, April 7, 2025, aimed at forging a strategic academic and research collaboration between the two universities. The discussions focused on establishing joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange programs, and opportunities for cross-border innovation and knowledge transfer.
The meeting, held at JKUAT’s Juja Main Campus, brought together senior academic and administrative representatives from both institutions. It was led by Dr. Eng. Hiram Ndiritu, Principal of JKUAT’s College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC), who welcomed the University of Windsor delegation and emphasized the university’s continued commitment to internationalization and academic excellence.
“The university is an established producer of engineering graduates who are not only academically competent but also equipped with practical skills to meet industry needs,” said Dr. Ndiritu. “We believe that through this collaboration, we can further enrich our training programs and provide our students and faculty with broader global exposure.”
Dr. Ndiritu also highlighted that JKUAT’s management views international collaboration as a vital pathway to improving the quality of education, enhancing research output, and responding to pressing global challenges.
From the University of Windsor, Dr. Chris Busch, Associate Vice President for Enrolment Management and Senior International Officer, expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the partnership.
“JKUAT has established itself as a strong institution in science, technology, and engineering, and its commitment to academic excellence makes it an ideal partner for international collaboration,” Dr. Busch remarked. He noted that both institutions could benefit from leveraging their complementary strengths to promote impactful research, student mobility, and cross-cultural academic experiences.
Prof. Bill Van Heyst, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Windsor, pointed out UOW’s strong background in automotive engineering and emphasized the mutual value in developing practical, research-based solutions through joint efforts.
“With our solid foundation in engineering, we are well-positioned to work with JKUAT on initiatives that not only promote innovation but also create practical learning opportunities for our students and staff,” said Prof. Van Heyst.
Also present at the meeting were Prof. Florence Mwaura, Principal of the College of Human Resource Development (COHRED); Dr. Allan Mugambi; and Ms. Linda Kwamboka, the Regional Recruitment Advisor for East Africa at UOW.
The proposed partnership aligns with the University of Windsor’s broader internationalization agenda. Earlier in 2025, UOW secured funding through Global Affairs Canada to support international student mobility and academic collaboration across the Americas, in a move to expand its global footprint.
As the two universities continue to develop the framework for their collaboration, areas under consideration include research in engineering and technology, joint supervision of postgraduate students, curriculum development, and collaborative grant applications.
The initiative comes at a time when global universities are increasingly seeking cross-border alliances to enhance their competitiveness and contribute to solving global societal and technological challenges.
Both JKUAT and UOW expressed a shared commitment to formalizing the partnership in the coming months, with follow-up meetings and exchange programs expected to begin later this year.
Source :JKUAT News
