A partnership between two African universities moved from paper to practice when a delegation from the University of Venda in South Africa visited Kabarak University for a benchmarking engagement focused on student leadership, university administration and institutional learning.

The visit was part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kabarak University and the University of Venda, providing an opportunity for the two institutions to exchange experiences and explore practical areas of collaboration.

The delegation was led by Adv. Eric Nemukula, University Registrar, University of Venda, and included members of university management and student leaders. At Kabarak University, the delegation was received by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry K. Kiplangat, members of University Management, and faculty from the Spiritual and Student Affairs departments.

A key part of the engagement focused on student leadership. The visiting student leaders held an interaction with leaders of the Kabarak University Students’ Organisation (KUSO), where they shared experiences on student representation, leadership, engagement with university management, and ways of creating a positive campus environment.

The discussions offered both groups an opportunity to learn from different approaches to student leadership and university governance. Beyond the formal sessions, the visit highlighted the value of creating spaces where students and university leaders can engage directly with their counterparts from other higher education institutions.

The visit also allowed students to gain perspectives beyond their immediate campus environment, reinforcing the role of university education in preparing graduates to operate in an increasingly interconnected world.

The University of Venda delegation’s visit marks another practical step in implementing the two institutions’ MoU and strengthening links between Kenyan and South African higher education institutions.