Prof. Martin Munene Nyaga Strengthens Ties with University of Embu in a High Profile Courtesy Visit

In a significant step toward advancing scientific research and international collaboration, Prof. Martin Munene Nyaga, head of the Next Generation Sequencing Unit at the University of the Free State, South Africa, paid a high-profile courtesy visit to the University of Embu on Wednesday, 4^th June, 2025.

During the meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, University of Embu, Prof. Daniel Mugendi, Prof. Nyaga highlighted the remarkable progress made by the two ongoing research initiatives: The African Enteric Viruses Genome Initiative (AEVGI) and the Sequencing of the Antigenic Cartography of Enteric Viruses (SACEV). These projects, a collaborative effort between the University of the Free State, the University of Embu and Embu Level 5 Hospital, are poised to revolutionise public health research in the region.

Prof. Nyaga lauded Prof. Mugendi’s visionary leadership, which has propelled the University of Embu to the forefront of higher education in Kenya and East Africa. “The University’s growing international reputation is a testament to its commitment to excellence in research and academia,” he said. He also lauded the faculty for their dedication to research, noting that their cutting-edge research and scholarly publications have been recognised internationally, cementing the University’s reputation as a hub of research that transforms lives and communities, and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s unwavering support for research initiatives and the ongoing collaboration with the University of Free State. “Partnerships like these are the bedrock of academic excellence and innovation. We are committed to fostering such collaborations to address pressing global challenges,” he stated.

The visit underscored the University’s rising profile in the global academic community and its dedication to generate, advance and disseminate knowledge through training, research and innovation for the development of humanity. As both institutions look to the future, this partnership promises to yield transformative outcomes for the science research and public health sector, and foster knowledge exchange that contributes to development of humanity.