Kenyan universities and their counterparts in the United States have signed a framework agreement to enhance student and faculty exchange, joint research, and innovation.
President William Ruto, speaking on future possibilities of Kenya-United States partnership in education at Spelman College Atlanta, Georgia said he was confident that the programme will also support global security.
“I also strongly propose a collaboration framework that fosters partnerships between American experts, universities and colleges, and Kenyan technical and vocational education and training institutions,” he said.
Ruto said such a partnership would develop curricula closely aligned with industry requirements, equipping young people with essential skills in ICT, green technologies, renewable energy installation, and sustainable construction practices.
“Kenya stands ready to maintain its vanguard role, furthering our ambition to accelerate the Silicon Savannah,” he said.
The President expressed concern over the persistent underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“Despite evident progress, Kenya faces a significant gender gap in STEM at all levels, from education to the workforce. Our partnership must, therefore, be intentional about promoting women's participation in STEM,” he said.
Ruto said Kenya is determined to leverage the Kenya-US partnership to empower and inspire greater female participation and leadership in STEM.
He said the STEM Mentorship Programme, implemented by UNESCO in collaboration with the government of Kenya and benefiting 2,000 young women, serves as a model that underscores the power of partnership.
“Let us, therefore, stand together in a common endeavour to build a bridge that will lead present and future generations to prosperity. Our commitment to empowering a new generation of leaders with the necessary competencies will ensure a bright future,” he added.
The President further added that through faculty and student exchanges, Kenya and the US stand to benefit immensely from deeper cross-cultural knowledge sharing, mutual understanding and solidarity.
“In essence, what we are doing today is laying a firm foundation for our shared values to make a significant contribution to building a freer, more democratic, secure, prosperous and united world,” Ruto said.