Tharaka University, (TUN) and Damanhur University in Egypt have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen collaboration in academic excellence, research, innovation and community development.
The agreement formalises key areas of cooperation between the two institutions, providing a framework for knowledge exchange, capacity building and joint initiatives to address societal challenges through research and innovation.
Ahead of the signing, the visiting Egyptian delegation paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor’s Office, where they discussed practical areas of cooperation. The Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter K. Muriungi, highlighted opportunities in student and staff mobility, joint teaching, research and consultancy.
He encouraged both institutions to partner in consultancy initiatives, support local farmers through research-driven solutions and integrate community engagement into their programmes by working closely with the locals and other stakeholders.
The partnership is expected to promote training of staff and postgraduate students through training in scientific writing, international publication, research ethics, grant writing, academic presentations, artificial intelligence in science and bibliography management. It will also strengthen postgraduate supervision and expand academic exchange.
At the institutional level, the universities will explore joint curriculum development, international accreditation and rankings, technology development, innovation and academic qualifications. The agreement also provides opportunities to support innovation and start-up initiatives.
Beyond academia, the collaboration will promote community-centred solutions through capacity-building programmes in waste recycling, greywater management and pest control, reinforcing the institutions’ commitment to translating research into practical solutions that improve livelihoods.
The agreement marks another milestone in Tharaka University’s internationalisation agenda, with both institutions seeking to expand their academic networks and strengthen research partnerships.
The MOA follows an earlier online signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities last June, which established the initial framework for their collaboration.
Delegation from Egypt was led by Counselor, Dr. Ahmed Hafez, CEO, Environmental Social Governance Resources Institute(ESGRI) Dr. Maged Fathy Ali, Veterinary Brigadier General, Prof. Atef Mohammed Nassar, Professor of Plant Protection and former Dean of Higher Education and Environmental Research Institute, and Dr. Mohamed Salah Peda, business partner at Environmental Social Governance Resources Institute.
Tharaka University was led by Prof. Collins Miruka, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Finance and Planning; Dr. Edward Kathuni, Registrar, Administration, Finance and Planning; Prof. Levi Musalia, Director, Centre for Smart Agriculture; Dr. Mariciano Mutiga, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences and Natural Resources; Dr. Mirriam Wephukhulu, Chair of Department, Dryland Agriculture; Dr. Charles Nyabayo, Lecturer; and other members of Tharaka University staff.
