The Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, has hailed the internationalization agenda being advanced through the EU-funded Italia Academia with Africa (ITACA) project, an initiative involving four Italian universities and ten African universities, including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Dr. Inyangala noted that internationalization is a key strategic objective for the Commission for University Education, which is tasked with ensuring quality standards in universities.
Her remarks were delivered on her behalf by the Secretary in the State Department, Dr. Caro Hunja, during the closing event of the ITACA project held in Nairobi on Friday, April 17, 2026. The event was attended by stakeholders from Kenya and Italy.
The PS commended universities for proactively engaging international partners, noting that the Government of Kenya is grateful for the strong relationships nurtured with Italy over time. She emphasized that Kenya and the Italian Republic enjoy a robust, multidimensional partnership built on decades of cooperation in cultural, scientific, and technological development. This collaboration, she said, is grounded in shared values and principles aimed at fostering sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.
Dr. Inyangala also recalled a 2006 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya and Italy on cultural, scientific, and technological cooperation. The agreement promotes collaboration through strengthened inter-university academic partnerships and joint research on areas of common interest.
She added that Kenya–Italy cooperation continues to expand, with a strong emphasis on sustainable economic partnerships that support Kenya’s national development priorities while delivering mutual benefits.
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The PS further announced the upcoming launch of a new initiative—ATLANTIS (Advancing Learning and Academic Networks for Transformation, Innovation and Sustainability). The project will focus on developing postgraduate professional courses, creating research opportunities, and building networks for knowledge exchange.
The Deputy Ambassador of the Italian Embassy in Kenya, Macco Scoppa, emphasized the importance of research and higher education as strategic pillars of Italy’s international cooperation. He noted that such collaborations foster knowledge exchange, nurture innovation, and strengthen long-term institutional and societal partnerships.
“These connections are essential not only for academic growth but also for addressing complex challenges in Italy, Kenya, Europe, and Africa,” he said.
On scientific diplomacy, the diplomat described it as a key complement to political, economic, and commercial diplomacy. He highlighted its role in promoting strategic partnerships across universities and industries, contributing to sustainable development.
Mr. Scoppa also revealed that space science is a key area of cooperation, with the Kenya Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency collaborating to expand the Malindi space center into a school for space science.
He added that Italy is increasingly investing in tech diplomacy, citing recent initiatives such as an Artificial Intelligence forum held in Nairobi and a visit by Italy’s Minister for University, Science, and Research as milestones in strengthening bilateral ties.
According to Scoppa, joint initiatives like ITACA align with the long-term partnership vision between Kenya and Italy under the Mattei Plan and broader bilateral frameworks. These efforts aim to deliver tangible outcomes in advanced training, innovation, technology transfer, and opportunities for students, researchers, and industries in both countries.
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JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, noted that JKUAT signed a cooperation agreement on July 27, 2025, with four Italian universities—Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, University of Turin, University of Urbino, and Polytechnic University of Marche. The agreement paved the way for student and staff exchange programs.
She reported that during the 2025/2026 academic year, over 45 JKUAT students and staff participated in exchange activities in the four Italian institutions. Prof. Ngumi, who was represented by Prof. Hellen Mberia, Principal of Karen Campus, expressed appreciation to Italian partners for the opportunity.
Prof. Mario Molteni, Director of ITACA and the Africa Plan, presented the initiative’s objectives and future outlook in a virtual address. Meanwhile, Dr. Michele Mazzola, Director at the Italian Ministry of University and Research, highlighted the importance of internationalization, noting that university education transcends national borders and fosters collaboration in knowledge generation and innovation.
ITACA JKUAT Project Coordinator, Dr. Clifford Obiero, commended JKUAT management for supporting participants, adding that the university was the most active among the ten participating African institutions. He said the ITACA program has been impactful, providing participants with opportunities to showcase innovations and market their products.
Dr. Giacomo Ciambotti also underscored the value of higher education collaboration between Kenya and Italy and outlined expectations for future engagements under ATLANTIS.
Dr. Lawrence Nderu, founder of JHUB Africa, moderated an engaging roundtable session where participants shared experiences from exchange programs in Italy and training workshops focused on the green economy and climate change. They also discussed challenges encountered and proposed solutions.
The ITACA project aims to promote the internationalization of Italian academia in Africa through a comprehensive framework built on international mobility, inter-university cooperation, capacity building, and joint academic programs.
By Patrick Amunavi
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