Kabarak University, under the visionary leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Kiplangat, has taken a commanding step onto the continental stage by co-founding the African Musicology Institute (AMI) in partnership with the University of Venda (UNIVEN) in South Africa. This milestone not only affirms Kabarak University’s growing reputation as a hub of academic excellence but also positions it at the forefront of transformative collaborations that are redefining higher education in Africa.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on 4 September 2025 at UNIVEN, formalized the establishment of AMI as a flagship academic and research institute dedicated to advancing scholarship and positioning African universities as thought leaders in global higher education. Prof. Kiplangat, accompanied by Kabarak University’s own Prof. Mellitus Wanyama—an accomplished scholar and champion of academic excellence who has been instrumental in driving this partnership—highlighted the significance of this initiative as a testament to Kabarak’s commitment to pioneering transformative projects in collaboration with leading institutions.
The event was graced by distinguished leaders, including Prof. Bernard Nthambeleni, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Venda, who emphasized the importance of the collaboration, and Prof. Vhonani Netshandama, Director of Community Engagement at UNIVEN, who played a pivotal role in steering the project to fruition. Their contributions, alongside Kabarak University’s strategic vision, reflect the depth of institutional commitment on both sides.
With AMI set to offer postgraduate programmes, short courses, professional certifications, and innovative digital learning opportunities, the institute will provide a robust platform for scholarly exchange, capacity building, and sustainable academic growth. Its establishment is not only a milestone for Kabarak University but also a bold statement of Africa’s capacity to lead in advancing global knowledge.
The official launch of AMI is scheduled for 20 October 2025, when the institute will be unveiled alongside other academic centres of excellence. Anchored in collaboration and innovation, this initiative firmly establishes Kabarak University as a trailblazer in higher education, driving a vision that transcends borders under the stewardship of Prof. Henry Kiplangat.
Front row L-R: Prof Tawanda Runhare, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, Prof Henry Kiplangat, Mr Botwe Kraziya and Dr Mutshinyalo Ratombo Back row L-R: Prof Jeff Mapaya, Prof Mellitus Wanyama, Mrs Siphiwe Lubisi, Dr Takalani Dzaga and Mr matome Mokoena
