Saturday, February 7, marked a significant milestone at Kabarak University as we hosted a distinguished delegation from the Confucius Institute at Egerton University (CIEU). This visit was a celebration of a partnership that is actively reshaping the academic and professional horizons of our students.

Our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Henry Kiplangat, joined by members of the University Management Board  (UMB), warmly welcomed the outgoing Director, Prof. Liu Yutao, and the incoming Director, Mr. Xia Lei. The atmosphere was one of deep gratitude and shared ambition as we reflected on a collaboration that began with Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU) in April 2024.

The impact of this collaboration is already visible across our campus. Our Chinese Language Programme has seen incredible growth, with 155 students enrolled to date and 31 active students in the current semester alone.

But the value goes beyond the classroom. Through cultural immersion trips and local events, our students are gaining a global perspective that transforms them into true citizens of the world. As Prof. Kiplangat noted, these experiences are "breaking down borders and fostering understanding."

The Vice-Chancellor outlined several pioneering initiatives designed to create a lasting impact:

• The "2+2" Dual-Degree Programme: An innovative pathway where students will complete foundational studies at Kabarak before specializing in China. This will cover critical fields like Agricultural Business Management, Economics & Finance, and Human Nutrition.
• The NAU African Hub at Kabarak: We envision a dedicated "center of excellence" on our campus to drive joint research in food security, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable water management.
• Faculty & Staff Development: Following the success of two fully funded staff scholarships at NAU for 2025, we are looking to scale this model to build long-term institutional capacity.
• Expanding Access: We remain committed to championing scholarships, such as the Ambassadors’ Scholarship, to ensure our brightest minds can thrive regardless of their financial background.

As we bid a fruitful farewell to Prof. Liu Yutao, we extend our total support to Mr. Xia Lei as he begins his tenure.

To our partners from Nanjing Agricultural University: you have left an indelible mark on our institution. As you return home, know that Kabarak University is your second home. Together, we aren't just building academic programmes; we are building bridges to a brighter, more connected future.