Kenyatta University (KU) reaffirmed its global academic vision by hosting high-level delegations from the University of Ostroh Academy, Ukraine, and Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), China, during two courtesy visits held at the main campus.
Led by President Jia Wenjian, the BFSU team met with KU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Paul Wainaina, reaffirming the strategic MoU signed in 2021. The agreement focuses on staff and student exchanges, joint research, and multilingual academic collaborations, reflecting both institutions’ shared commitment to internationalisation and cross-cultural understanding.
Separately, a delegation from the University of Ostroh Academy, Ukraine’s third-ranked university and among the top 400 globally for quality education, was received by KU’s Academic Division, School of Education and Lifelong Learning, and the Centre for International Programmes. The team included Rector Edward Balaslov and Dr. Oksana Maramelo.
With over 4,000 students, five institutes, and two campuses, Ostroh Academy is renowned for academic rigour and international outreach, boasting 70 global collaborations, including partnerships through Erasmus+. Rector Balaslov noted: “We are impressed by KU and share common academic values. Today’s MoU is the start of a promising cooperation.”
Prof. Samson Ondigi, Executive Dean of the School of Education, highlighted plans to launch a Kiswahili certificate programme for diplomats, with support from Dr. Hamisi Babusa, Kiswahili Department, aiming to promote language immersion and regional culture. KU will sign an MoA to operationalise the programme.
H.E. Ambassador of Ukraine to Kenya expressed hope for a Chair of Ukrainian Studies and a Ukraine Resource Library at KU, as part of ongoing education diplomacy. He acknowledged President Ruto’s role in fostering Kenya–Ukraine academic ties.
VC Prof. Wainaina welcomed the practical spirit of the collaboration: “This partnership is not just symbolic, we’re moving straight on to action. Our hearts are with Ukraine, and our hands are open for more strategic and .”
Both visits reflect KU’s rising status as a hub for international collaboration and cultural exchange.