In a strategic move aimed at strengthening academic diplomacy, on Monday, 19 May 2025, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Kenya, H.E. Inès Fors Fernández, paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, Prof. Paul Wainaina who was represented by Prof. James Kung’u, Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor ( Academic), to explore potential collaboration in academic research, cultural exchange, health sciences, and innovation.
The l visit, held at Kenyatta University’s main campus, drew participation from key University officials including Prof. Caroline Thoruwa (DVC, Research, Innovation and Outreach), Prof. David Minja (Executive Dean, School of Law, Arts & Social Sciences), Dr. Duncan Wambugu (Chairperson, Music and Dance and Culture Week), and Dr. Purity Muthoni (Ag. Director, CIPC).
The ambassador, who previously served in Gambia and Jamaica, expressed her country’s strong interest in initiating joint programmes in health sciences; one of Cuba’s globally recognised strengths. “Cuba maintains cooperation with over 64 countries in medical training and biotechnology, and we are proud to have developed our own COVID-19 vaccine,” she noted, further underscoring Cuba’s position as a powerhouse in producing world-class doctors.
H.E. Fernández also highlighted other promising areas for partnership, including sports, creative arts, linguistics, biotechnology, international relations, and language studies. “We are interested in strengthening our English language training and would like to learn more about your language school and business school. Kenyatta University’s international relations programme also caught our interest,” she added.
Prof. Kung’u welcomed the ambassador on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, describing the visit as “timely and visionary”. He noted Kenyatta University’s expansive academic scope, highlighting its Department of Linguistics, which plays a vital role in teacher training, with graduates successfully placed in countries such as Mauritius, Uganda, and China through various international MOUs.
“Collaboration in linguistics and education could lead to impactful exchange programmes,” Prof. Kung’u emphasised, also pointing to KU’s Biomedical Engineering programme which is in its developmental stage; the first of its kind in the region. “This programme is a game-changer in training, research and capacity building, reinforcing our mission of continuous quality improvement,” he added.
Prof. Minja echoed these sentiments, expressing interest in advancing academic cooperation in the arts, international relations, languages, and sports. “Our students and faculty would greatly benefit from exposure to Cuba’s rich academic and cultural strengths.”
Prof. Thoruwa, on her part, spotlighted KU’s robust research ecosystem, well-equipped facilities and innovation centres, stating that partnerships with Cuban institutions could yield fruitful outcomes in joint studies and development projects.
Dr. Wambugu invited the Cuban Embassy to take part in Kenyatta University’s Culture Week, a flagship event held annually every October since 1992. “We were the first university in Kenya to conceptualise this initiative, which now attracts over 70 countries each year,” he said. “We’d be honoured to host Cuban artists, scholars, or performers for masterclasses, cultural demonstrations, or motivational talks during the festival.”
The ambassador welcomed the idea and hinted at future visits by one of Cuba’s Chancellor, a well-known professor in computer science, who is keen on academic diplomacy and travels with fellow scholars seeking global collaborations. “I would be proud to introduce her to Kenyatta University,” she said. “Each of her visiting professors represents an opportunity for collaboration in diverse fields.”
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing enthusiasm about the potential of a Kenya-Cuba university alliance. From exchanging research ideas to building cultural bridges and advancing academic mobility, the discussions marked the beginning of what could be a transformative partnership.
“Kenyatta University continues to stand tall as a beacon of academic excellence,” Prof. Kung’u stated. “Exploring synergies with a country as academically and culturally rich as Cuba is a step towards deepening our global impact.”
With shared values in education, innovation, and cultural identity, the stage is set for a meaningful and long-lasting partnership between Kenyatta University and the Republic of Cuba.