The Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) Division of the University of Nairobi has been holding a series of high-level international engagements aimed at strengthening collaboration in water engineering, sustainable manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and innovation commercialisation. The discussions reflect the University’s recognition of growing global interest in joint research, postgraduate training, and the development of innovation ecosystems.
University of Passau (Germany) – Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable
Development
On 13 February 2026, the RIE Division, led by Director of Innovation and Intellectual Property Management, Prof. Maina Wagacha, held discussions with representatives from the University of Passau in Germany to advance collaborative research in artificial intelligence and sustainable innovation. Prof. Dr led the visiting delegation. Gordon Fraser, Dean, Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics.
Key areas of focus included:
- Interdisciplinary AI applications in food safety, law, health informatics, and clean energy
- Inclusive clean energy access and sustainable manufacturing
- Development of institutional AI ethics and governance frameworks
- Joint proposal development for upcoming funding opportunities, including a DAAD call for a potential Centre of African Excellence
Immediate next steps include coordinating a joint proposal and exploring summer schools and
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiatives for the 2026 academic cycle.
Kinneret Academic College (Israel) – Water, Agriculture and Innovation Ecosystems
In a separate engagement the RIE Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Ag.), Prof. Leonidah Kerubo, engaged a representative from Kinneret Academic College, Ravit Nahir-Gelber to explore institutional collaboration in research in the areas of water engineering, smart agriculture, and innovation commercialisation.
Discussions focused on:
- Joint Master’s-level training and research in water technologies (including desalination and groundwater studies)
- Agri-tech innovation including solar-powered irrigation systems and precision farming
- Strengthening incubation systems, startup development, and intellectual property management
- Multidisciplinary grant proposals targeting Africa-focused development programme
The virtual engagement held on Thursday, 12 February 2026, marks an exploratory phase of
partnership development, with technical teams expected to refine concept areas for possible formalisation.
From Dialogue to Implementation
Across the week’s engagements, common themes included sustainable resource management,
digital transformation, clean energy systems, innovation, commercialisation, and postgraduate
research mobility.
The RIE Division continues to advance a structured partnership development pipeline that moves
from exploratory discussions to technical alignment, joint proposal development, and formalised
collaboration. These engagements position the University to strengthen its global research
presence while addressing pressing societal and development challenges, as articulated in the
University’s strategic plan and national and global development frameworks.