Mount Kigali University in Rwanda and Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) have signed a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening research, innovation and academic collaboration across East Africa.
The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Kigali, establishes a framework for joint academic programmes, collaborative research and faculty and student exchange initiatives between the two institutions.
The partnership brings together JKUAT’s expertise in science, technology and engineering with Mount Kigali University’s expanding academic and research portfolio, creating opportunities for cross-border knowledge sharing and skills development.
The MoU was signed by JKUAT Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi and her Mount Kigali University counterpart Dr. Martin Kimemia during an official ceremony attended by university leaders and stakeholders.
Speaking during the event, Mount Kigali University Founder and Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and regional development.
Prof. Gicharu, also the founder of Mount Kenya University, noted that partnerships between institutions of higher learning are increasingly important in advancing research, improving skills training and preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market.
“This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in higher education. Institutions can achieve greater impact when they work together to advance knowledge, research and skills development for the region,” he said.
Prof. Ngumi said the partnership will strengthen regional academic integration and position both institutions as contributors to research excellence, innovation and socio-economic development within East Africa.
The ceremony also marked the official handover of the Karembbure Happy Valley university grounds to Mount Kigali University’s administration. The facility is expected to support academic events, student recreation and extracurricular programmes.
University officials said the grounds will provide space for student activities while supporting the institution’s long-term expansion plans. The facility will also serve nearby hospitality establishments for recreational use.
By Muoki Charles
