Prof. Paul Wainaina, Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, welcomed Professor Colin Riordan CBE, the Secretary General and Chief Executive of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), during a high-level courtesy call to the University.
The visit marked an important moment in strengthening the long-standing relationship between Kenyatta University and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Discussions focused on expanding collaboration, enhancing the University’s visibility within the Commonwealth network, and exploring new avenues for academic and institutional growth.
During the meeting, Prof. Wainaina and Prof. Riordan explored the possibility of appointing a designated ACU Ambassador for Kenyatta University. This role would strengthen institutional engagement, improve information flow, and ensure the University fully benefits from ACU opportunities, including scholarships, research cooperation, mobility programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and participation in strategic global dialogues.
Through the Centre for International Programmes and Collaborations (CIPC), KU has continued to expand its global footprint, fostering partnerships, student and staff mobility, and international research cooperation. CIPC’s work remains central to enhancing KU’s internationalisation profile and consolidating its role as a preferred destination for academic exchange and collaboration.
Professor Riordan also shared insights on global higher education trends, including persistent funding gaps, research financing challenges, digital disruption, and barriers to mobility affecting universities across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. He reiterated ACU’s focus on addressing disparities between Global North and Global South institutions and highlighted the important role of universities like KU in shaping the future of the sector.
As part of the courtesy call, Prof. Riordan presented a publication to the Vice-Chancellor, symbolising the sustained cooperation and shared commitment to advancing higher education across the Commonwealth. The exchange reaffirmed Kenyatta University’s expanding presence in global academic networks and its leadership in driving international partnerships.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration, supporting innovation, and expanding opportunities for staff and students through the ACU’s programmes and networks. The visit further affirmed Kenyatta University’s growing role in global higher education dialogue, policy development, and research-led transformation.
As KU advances its strategic agenda under the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, the University remains dedicated to driving academic diplomacy, fostering international partnerships, and delivering impactful solutions to society—standing tall as a dynamic, globally engaged institution at the heart of East Africa’s higher education landscape.