The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Acacia Water, a renowned Dutch groundwater and water management company, to strengthen collaboration in research, training, and innovation in the Eastern Africa region.
The MoU, signed on April 3, 2024, at TU-K’s Nairobi campus, was inked by TU-K Vice-Chancellor Prof. Benedict Mutua and Dr. Victor Langenberg, representing Acacia Water. The ceremony was witnessed by senior university officials including Prof. Paul Wambua (DVC, Institutional Advancement and Enterprise), Prof. Francis Gatheri (Ag. DVC, Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. George Amolo (Ag. Executive Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology), Dr. Lydia Olaka (Chairperson, Department of Physics and Earth and Environmental Sciences), and Prof. Zakary Kuria, a professor in the department.
The partnership will offer students, particularly from the Department of Physics and Earth and Environmental Sciences, hands-on opportunities such as internships, fieldwork training, and participation in joint workshops and site visits managed by Acacia Water.
“Through this partnership, we are opening new frontiers of knowledge exchange and practical experience for our students and staff,” said Prof. Mutua. He emphasized that such international collaborations will significantly contribute to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of climate action and water sustainability.
Acacia Water brings to the table a wealth of experience in implementing large-scale groundwater and environmental projects across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm has previously worked in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Angola, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It collaborates with government bodies, UN agencies, NGOs, and research institutions, making it a strategic partner for TU-K.
The MoU outlines a broad scope of collaboration, including joint research initiatives, innovation and technology transfer, and the establishment of innovation hubs and incubation centers within TU-K. Additionally, both institutions plan to jointly mobilize resources by applying for project funding from development partners.
Dr. Langenberg noted that the partnership reflects Acacia Water’s long-standing commitment to sustainable groundwater development. “We are keen on working with local institutions like TU-K to bridge the knowledge gap and apply scientific expertise to real-world water challenges in Eastern Africa,” he said.
The cooperation also extends to technical areas such as groundwater exploration, lithological and structural mapping, geophysical and geochemical surveys, borehole documentation, environmental assessments, and disaster risk mapping.
Prof. Mutua raised concerns about the rising water levels in lakes within the Rift Valley, including Nakuru, Baringo, and Bogoria, which he linked to climate variability. “This collaboration will enable us to understand the impact of climate change on our water systems and support evidence-based interventions,” he said.
The initiative is expected to enhance TU-K’s capacity in water research while providing students and researchers with opportunities to present their findings in seminars and conferences organized by both parties.
Source: TU-K News
