Universities in Romania are keen on establishing collaboration with the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K). This was disclosed by the country’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Gentiana Serbu, when she paid a courtesy call to the University.
H.E Serbu noted that the recent visit by Romanian President, Klaus Iohannis to Kenya had strengthened relations between the two countries.
She said, “The recent visit by our President to Kenya was a clear demonstration that the two countries are committed to strengthening their relations and cooperation in various areas of development for the mutual benefit of their people."
She went further to explain that the Embassy was seeking to identify and partner with Kenyan academic and industry and inform them about the Romania system of Universities.
“Our universities are keen on establishing partnerships and collaborations among the academia, business community, industry and other partners in Kenya,” She said adding that the move will create good environment that is responsive to societal needs and that the universities will benefit from staff empowerment, cultural exchange, research and enriched teaching and training.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor in-charge of Institutional Advancement and Enterprises (IAE) Prof. Paul Wambua with his counterpart in charge of Research and Technology Development (RTD), Prof. Isaac Orina, led a team of TU-K Senior members of staff to receive the Ambassador.
The envoy added that her country had played a pivotal role in awarding scholarships to Africa and that Kenya will enjoy excellent and stable corporation, friendship and partnership.
Serbu explained that her country was dedicated to aligning herself with the United Nation’s global goals on security, education and development, something that is close to her heart.
She disclosed that the President of the Council of Rectors of Romania, will be visiting Africa and therefore will visit Kenya, considering that the country is a key partner.
Prof. Wambua noted that the visit was very important to the University adding that such a move was a motivation that forms the basis of TU-K’s drive to be the hub of technical training within the Eastern African region.
He added, “The University is looking forward for such collaborations. We are hoping these collaborations will be beneficial to both parties. The move will be good for us and I am sure that our students will be excited about them.”
Prof. Orina said that this was a unique collaboration of art and culture adding that the University was open for other collaborations.
Prof. Tom Kwanya added that the Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology will form a key potential for collaborations in the areas of Arts, Culture and Languages. He explained that the Faculty teaches Germany and French languages.
Dr. Julius Bosire Ag. head of School of Creative Arts and Media, Senior lecturers in the Department of Music; Dr. Mukasa Wafula and Dr. James Mutuku were present.
The Ambassador informed TU-K Management about the upcoming activities that the University will be expected to take part in. The Romanian International Day for Cultural Diversity and Development will be held in April 2024.
The University is expected to present 50 students, to participate in the upcoming event. The occasion will be defined through music, dance, art and theatre. Various stakeholders from the Bomas of Kenya, National Museum of Kenya, leading artistes, academics among others, will grace the occasion.
