The University of Nairobi and China’s Huaqiao University made a major step forward when senior leaders from both institutions met in Nairobi to kick-start a renewed partnership that was sealed late last year through a collaborative agreement (CoA).
Acting Deputy Vice‑Chancellor Professor Leonidah Kerubo, representing the Vice‑Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, welcomed the delegation led by Mr. He Chunzheng, Vice Chairperson of the Huaqiao University Council. The meeting held on 27 April 2026 at the University’s Main Campus discussed plans to deepen collaboration in student and faculty mobility, joint research, and programmatic alignment including 2+2 dual‑degree pathways.
The talks also identified clear priorities in joint supervision of postgraduate students, shared use of facilities, and collaborative grant applications. The rich menu of options further highlighted high‑impact research areas including environmental science, public health, the digital economy and new materials, and strengthening commercialisation pathways for research outputs. Leaders from the both institutions emphasised the strategic importance of moving from framework to action.
Professor Leonidah Kerubo termed the partnership as central to the University of Nairobi’s internationalisation and research ambitions: “This partnership is a strategic accelerator for our internationalisation and research ambitions. By deepening ties with Huaqiao, we will strengthen our research, scale capacity building, and convert shared knowledge into commercial and societal impact.” Her remarks underscored UoN’s drive to expand international student numbers, upgrade research capacity, and digitise institutional processes.
Echoing that commitment, Mr. Chunzheng said Huaqiao University views the collaboration as a model for broader China-Africa cooperation: “Huaqiao University will work hand‑in‑hand with the University of Nairobi to deepen cooperation and build a benchmark for China‑Africa university partnerships.” The high-level delegation from Huaqiao was accompanied during the visit by Mr Kevin Ho, Vice President of the Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce,
Prof. Anne Aseey of the Faculty of Education attended the meeting and will be a critical link person in the partnership’s implementation, having made a similar visit to China to pursue the partnership. Prof. Naomi Mwangi (Faculty of Education) and the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr John Orindi were also present. Targeted engagements will continue as faculty teams seek to pursue specific areas for collaboration within the framework of the partnership.