US Students in Kenya for peace communication programme

Prof Dickson Nyariki, VC, Murang'a University of Technology with students from Utah State University /HANDOUT

A group of students from Utah State University has arrived in Kenya for a three-week academic programme on peace and crisis communication, conducted in partnership with Murang’a University of Technology.

The “Communicating for Peace” programme brings together journalism students and faculty from the two universities for practical learning focused on crisis response, ethical reporting and peacebuilding communication.

The students were welcomed by Prof Dickson Nyariki, the vice chancellor of Murang’a University of Technology, who underscored the importance of international academic exchanges for promoting global understanding and critical thinking.

“Partnerships where students from the Global North experience how students from the Global South learn, and vice versa, are important in broadening perspectives and strengthening critical thinking,” he said.

The US delegation is led by Prof Aggrey Otieno, an award-winning lecturer who is spearheading the study abroad initiative.

Otieno said the programme, running from May 9 to May 30, seeks to equip students with hands-on crisis-communication skills through lectures, workshops, simulations and field learning experiences.

“The course explores case studies, best practices in communication and practical approaches to managing crises. Students will also participate in simulated crisis events to apply what they learn,” he said.

Prof Dickson Nyariki, VC, Murang'a University of Technology, having a light moment with students of Utah State University /HANDOUT

According to John Ndavula, the chair of the Humanities Department at Murang’a University of Technology, the programme is expected to strengthen ethical and practical communication skills among journalism students.

“We hope our students will develop practical and ethical communication skills to help them navigate difficult situations professionally,” he said.

As part of the experiential learning programme, students will visit community and media organisations such as Koch FM, ChildLine Kenya and Slum Dwellers International. 

The visits are designed to expose participants to real-world communication approaches in community settings, including strategies for addressing ethnic tensions and divisive narratives.

Nyariki described the visit as a major step in strengthening collaboration between the two institutions.

“This marks an important milestone toward building a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership between our universities,” he said.

Prof Prisca Tuitoek, the deputy vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at Murang’a University of Technology, welcomed the continued expansion of international student exchange programs.

“I am happy to see that student exchange programmes continue to thrive at universities today,” she said.

Otieno also expressed optimism about future collaborations between the two institutions across research, teaching, and global engagement initiatives.

Prof Prisca Tuitoek and students from Utah State University /HANDOUT