Kabarak University and Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU) of China are expanding their partnership in agricultural research, food science, postgraduate training and international student exchange, building on milestones achieved since signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024.
The progress was highlighted during a meeting between Kabarak University leadership and a delegation led by Prof. Jiang Song, Vice-President of Nanjing Agricultural University, on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
Welcoming the delegation, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Kiplangat highlighted the partnership’s achievements, including student exchange programmes, scholarships, Chinese language education and participation in international innovation competitions.
Student Exchange and Scholarships
Since September 2024, Kabarak University’s Chinese Language Teaching Programme has enrolled 212 students, with 23 currently taking classes. Six students also participated in a Chinese Language and Culture Summer Camp in Beijing and Nanjing in August and September 2026.
The partnership has opened postgraduate opportunities for Kabarak graduates at NAU. Two graduates received scholarships for studies in plant genetics and animal nutrition, while four others were awarded Master’s scholarships in Food and Nutrition.
Kabarak University students have also excelled in the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition, winning one silver medal in 2025 and two in 2026. The University co-hosted the launch ceremonies for the Africa Division competitions in both years.
In addition, the jointly developed Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture and Entrepreneurship commenced in the September 2026 semester.
Joint Research and Proposed African Campus
A key priority is the proposed China-Kenya Joint Laboratory for Agro-Livestock Products Processing. The facility is expected to support collaborative research in agricultural processing, food safety, nutrition evaluation, and technology development, while creating opportunities for postgraduate training and academic exchange.
The two universities are also pursuing plans to establish a Nanjing Agricultural University African Campus at Kabarak University. The proposed campus would focus on agricultural innovation, food systems, biotechnology, climate-smart agriculture and nutrition.
As part of preparations, Kabarak University’s Senate has approved a Master of Science in Food Science and Technology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Food Nutrition and Dietetics. Both programmes are undergoing approval by Kenya’s Commission for University Education (CUE).
The University has also proposed dedicated NAU full scholarships for outstanding Kabarak students pursuing postgraduate studies, with a response from NAU awaited.
Advancing Kenya-China Academic Cooperation
Prof. Jiang Song commended Kabarak University for its support of the innovation competition and expressed NAU’s interest in expanding collaboration in student and faculty exchanges, joint research and the sharing of research outcomes.
He noted that the partnership provides a strong foundation for deeper cooperation and for translating agricultural research into practical solutions that benefit communities.
The visit highlighted the shared commitment of the two institutions to advancing academic exchange, agricultural innovation and research, while creating more opportunities for students and researchers in Kenya, China and across Africa.
