Kabarak University warmly received a delegation from the prestigious University of Michigan, USA, in a courtesy call that promises to shape future academic collaboration.

The visiting team was led by Prof. Karin Waidley, Project Lead and Grant Awardee from the University of Michigan. She was accompanied by her research partner, Prof. Jackson John Kitetu, an Environmental Scientist and Senior Lecturer at Kabarak University’s School of Science, Engineering, and Technology (SSET).

The delegation was received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Henry Kiplangat, by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Research), Prof. John Ochola, who chaired the meeting. Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration & Finance), Prof. Ronald Chepkilot; the Dean of SSET, Prof. Peter Rugiri; and other university officials.

The purpose of the courtesy call was to discuss a collaborative research project funded by the African Heritage and Humanities Initiative Seed Grant. The project, implemented in partnership with Utetezi Arts & Insights, focuses on addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in climate-affected regions of Lodwar, Turkana County. It employs innovative Theatre for Development (TfD) methodologies to engage communities, examine how climate change exacerbates gender inequity, and co-develop sustainable prevention strategies.

During the meeting, the professors presented their work and proposed the establishment of a formal collaboration framework—through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or Memorandum of Agreement (MoA)—between the University of Michigan and Kabarak University. This would pave the way for future joint research initiatives, knowledge exchange, and academic programming.

This visit marks a significant step toward an impactful international partnership, aligning academic expertise with community-driven action to address pressing global challenges at the intersection of climate change, gender justice, and public health.