UoN signs deal with French firms to enhance skills, innovation

The University of Nairobi has inked an agreement with French companies to enhance skills and innovation among learners at the institution. 

The varsity and the French companies jointly inaugurated the implementation of the Tripartite Partnership Agreement (TPA), for the highly anticipated Engineering and Science Complex (ESC).

The landmark collaboration will see the academia, industry partners, and international institutions work together in a joint effort to foster innovation and bridge the gap between academia and industry.

The collaboration is also expected to drive knowledge exchange, increase innovations and commercialisation.

The industry partners, represented by Bimal Kantaria, Kudakwashe Kawanzaruwa and Cyprian Kabis of Elgon Kenya,  deliberated on the need to align the Engineering and Science Complex with industry needs and trends. 

The partners said the future workforce needs to be equipped with market-demanded skills and knowledge.

During the inauguration ceremony that was held at the Nairobi main campus on Monday,  UoN Vice Chancellor Stephen Kiama highlighted the profound significance of the agreement.

“The TPA, that I signed myself in Paris on May 11 with my French peers, directors of the partner institutions, is a framework enabling capacity building and good practices sharing between us. Thanks to this cooperation, we will learn from each other and will grow, France and Kenya,” Kiama said. 

He said the involvement of industry partners in the ESC ensures that the curriculum remains relevant, enabling graduates to seamlessly transition into the professional world. 

Kiama added that the signing of the Tripartite Partnership Agreement signifies a new chapter in international collaboration, academic excellence, and innovation. 

He said by bringing together leading institutions, industry partners, and governments, the ESC paves the way for groundbreaking research, technological advancements, and socioeconomic development. 

The VC said the ESC represents a significant milestone in Kenya's pursuit of academic excellence and technological advancement. 

"The complex aims to equip students with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape of engineering, science, and technology," he said. 

France Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet envisioned that the ESC will be a dynamic centre that will foster cooperation and mobility between Kenyan and international actors. 

He emphasized the transformative role of the TPA in elevating the ESC to an iconic space where academia converges with the economic world,

“This partnership is transformative because it’s about science and Innovation. We want to create employment while addressing global issues such as Climate change food security,” he echoed. 

The Chief Operations Officer and Director of University Advancement and Institutional Development Brian Ouma expressed unwavering belief in research, education, and innovation as the pillars of the partnership between France and Kenya.

Ouma underscored the partnership's focus on research, curriculum development, and innovation to address complex global challenges and push the boundaries of knowledge.

He emphasised the importance of fostering engagement between industry and academia, enhancing curriculum relevance, and promoting internationalisation to modernise education.

“Our partnership between France and Kenya is a shining example of what can be achieved when nations come together to address common goals, let us harness the power of this partnership to inspire future generations, drive innovation, and create a better world through education and Research,” Ouma said. 

Among the French companies in the agreement are— Four schools of the Paris Tech network– Agro Paris Tech, Chimie Paris Tech - PSL, École des Ponts Paris Tech,  Mines Paris - PSL – and Centrale Supélec - University Paris-Saclay. 

The industry partners are Bureau Veritas, Total Energies, Schneider Electric and Saint Gobain  among others