UoN set to Collaborate with the Namibian Government on systems strengthening.

The University of Nairobi is poised to provide guidance and training to faculty members at the University of Namibia through a collaborative effort supported by the Namibian Government, aimed at enhancing their university systems. The collaborative initiative was initiated following a request made during a courtesy call by Namibia's Vice President and Chancellor of the University of Namibia, H.E. Nangolo Mbumba, on the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Prof. Stephen Kiama, on September 6, 2023. Accompanied by his spouse, H.E. Sustjie Mbumba, several government ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps, the Namibian delegation engaged in discussions with their Kenyan counterparts, including representatives from the Ministries of Education and Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, as well as Deans from the faculties of Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Health Sciences, and Agriculture. The agenda encompassed potential areas of collaboration, such as faculty training in Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, joint research initiatives in fields like oil and gas and green energy, as well as the promotion of the Swahili language.

H.E. Nangolo Mbumba emphasized the crucial need to address the shortage of skilled manpower in Namibia and underscored the importance of strengthening local institutions. He stated, "We need to have strong institutions and skilled manpower. We build institutions and outsource manpower from outside, which results in the underutilization of the monetary resources provided." He further stressed the significance of sending faculty and students from the University of Namibia to train at the University of Nairobi, which holds a prominent position in the East and Central Africa region.

In response, Prof. Stephen Kiama warmly welcomed and commended the invitation to collaborate with the University of Namibia. He expressed the University of Nairobi's eagerness to host the initial group of faculty members from Namibia, stating, "The University of Nairobi embraces this proposal and is looking forward to welcoming the first bunch of faculty who will be sent here." Additionally, Prof. Kiama extended an invitation to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia for further discussions, saying, "Your Excellency, I would like to extend an invitation to the Vice Chancellor of the university to have a follow-up meeting on this."

It's noteworthy that the University of Namibia, established in 1993, is the largest public university in Namibia, boasting 12 campuses and serving an impressive student population of over 30,000. Their flagship programs include Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine.