By James Wakahiu
Mount Kigali University (MKU), Rwanda, and Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) have formalised a strategic academic partnership aimed at advancing applied research, innovation and regional higher education collaboration.
The partnership was sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during an official ceremony held in Kigali. The agreement establishes a framework for joint academic programmes, collaborative research initiatives, and structured faculty and student exchange programmes between the two institutions.
The collaboration seeks to strengthen training in industrial and applied research while fostering cross-border knowledge sharing and innovation within the East African region.
By combining JKUAT’s strengths in science, technology and engineering with Mount Kigali University’s growing academic and research portfolio, the partnership is expected to create new opportunities for students, researchers and faculty members in both countries.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, Vice Chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and Dr. Martin Kimemia, Vice Chancellor of Mount Kigali University.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mount Kigali University Founder and Chairman, Prof. Simon Gicharu, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and regional development.
“This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in higher education. Institutions can achieve greater impact when they work together to advance knowledge, research and skills development for the region,” he said.
Prof Gicharu noted that the partnership reflects shared values of excellence, innovation and regional development. It also demonstrates a recognition that institutions can achieve far more when they work together than when they operate independently. Partnerships are not just agreements; they are commitments to grow together,” he added.
As part of the event, the MKU Board of Directors also officially handed over the Karembbure Happy Valley university grounds to Mount Kigali University administration.
The facility will support academic events, student recreational activities, and extracurricular programmes, contributing to holistic student development and enhanced campus life.
The grounds will serve both the university and the nearby Kigali Paramount Hotel for extracurricular and recreational activities. Prof. Gicharu said the land was acquired as a strategic investment intended to support the university’s long-term growth.
It will also provide a permanent venue for celebrating students’ academic achievements and hosting recreational facilities.
Prof. Gicharu said the investment in expanded facilities underscores the university’s long-term vision to create an enabling academic environment that supports teaching, research, innovation, and student well-being.
Members of the university community also took part in a tree-planting exercise at the grounds, symbolising growth, continuity and the institution’s long-term vision.
The MKU–JKUAT partnership marks an important milestone in strengthening regional academic integration and positions both universities as key contributors to future-ready education, research excellence and socio-economic development in East Africa.
Mount Kigali University is a fully- fledged institution of higher learning in Rwanda, committed to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed to meet regional and global workforce needs.
On its part, JKUAT is a leading public university in Kenya renowned for its focus on science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and applied research.
Mt Kenya Times 
Dennis Dibondo