Canadian High Commission Official Visits the University of Embu to Explore Collaboration Opportunities

On Wednesday, 8^th October, 2025 the Trade Commissioner Assistant (Education Sector) Ms. Charity Kabaya, representing the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi, paid a courtesy visit to the University of Embu (UoEm), accompanied by Professor Bosire Mwebi, Chair of the Council at Kabianga University. The visit aimed to identify and explore potential areas of academic and research collaboration between the University of Embu and Canadian institutions.

The meeting was opened by Professor Kutima, Chairperson of the University of Embu Council, who emphasized the urgent need to boost research output across Kenyan universities. He welcomed both guests and highlighted UoEm’s strong financial discipline, noting that upon assuming his role in July 2025, his first action was to verify whether the University had any outstanding bills-a step he deemed essential given the financial challenges facing many public universities. He praised UoEm for its good management and strike-free environment, which he said fosters stable academic progress and strengthens external partnerships.

Professor Kutima also commended the University’s achievements, including securing over Ksh 463 million in research grants over the past four years. He expressed strong support for expanding UoEm’s global linkages, particularly with Canadian institutions, and acknowledged Professor Mwebi’s role in facilitating such opportunities.

Ms. Agnes Ndwiga, a council member, echoed the call for deeper collaboration. She recalled a prior meeting with Professor Mwebi that led to introductions with Canadian academics and stressed the need to address key challenges in research commercialisation through strategic resource mobilisation. She affirmed UoEm’s ambition to become a global centre of excellence, especially through partnerships with the Canadian Embassy, and urged stronger alignment between academic programmes and market demands.

Professor Bosire Mwebi, drawing from his deep personal and professional ties to Embu-where he served as Deputy District Education Officer from 1994 to 1998; shared his journey from Kenya to Canada, where he earned his Master’s and PhD degrees at the University of Alberta, and later taught at St. Francis Xavier University. He underscored two pillars of modern higher education: teaching excellence grounded in industry relevance, and robust research that drives innovation and intellectual property commercialisation.

Citing real-world examples, including a university-led project that improved aircraft entertainment systems for Bombardier, resulting in a multi-million-dollar contract, he argued that universities must actively solve societal problems. He highlighted his long-standing contributions to Kenya’s education sector, including facilitating Canadian student teaching placements in Kenyan schools, supporting the development of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and advising KICD and TSC on teacher professional development frameworks.

Ms. Charity Kabaya expressed admiration for UoEm’s work ethic and commitment to quality education and research. She outlined Canada’s 15-year engagement in Kenya through initiatives like the Kenya Employment for Education Program (KEFEP) and its focus on sectors such as the blue economy. As Trade Commissioner, she emphasized Canada’s century-long support for global business partnerships and its Africa strategy aimed at deepening economic cooperation.

She noted growing interest from Canadian institutions, including the University of Toronto, in collaborating with Kenyan universities. With East Africa emerging as a hub for Bombardier aircraft maintenance, she pointed to strong demand for technically skilled graduates. She also referenced successful models like Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), which has established virtual exchanges and signed MOUs with Canadian partners.

Ms. Kabaya outlined several areas of potential collaboration at the University of Embu including:

1. Student and faculty exchange and scholarship programmes.
2. Joint research and innovations.
3. Career guidance, mentorship, field exposure, attachment and internship for students.
4. Joint development of micro-credential programmes for corporate training-already in demand from Kenyan firms.
5. Nursing students’ exchanges
6. Integration of Canadian assessment rubrics aligned with 21^st century teaching standards.

She also mentioned the Bukarasa agricultural programme, backed by an $11 billion World Bank investment, as a model linking agribusiness, research, and commercialization that UoEm could explore.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Professor Nthakanio, who reaffirmed UoEm’s readiness to build meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships with Canadian institutions. The University expressed optimism that this visit marks the beginning of sustained academic and research cooperation between Embu and Canada.

Compiled by Dr. Julius Ndirangu, Director Research and Extension