JOOUST Hosts Landmark VLIR-IUC Conference as Flemish Partnership Marks 10 Years of Success
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology continues to deepen its strategic North-South partnerships with leading Flemish universities in a bid to advance transformative research and sustainable development within the Lake Victoria Basin.
Through a 10 years collaboration, JOOUST, alongside four Flemish universities namely Vrije Universiteit Brussel, KU Leuven, Ghent University, and the University of Antwerp, has successfully implemented impactful interventions focused on natural resource management, agri-food systems, health systems strengthening, ICT innovation, and climate change resilience across the region.
The success and impact of the partnership were highlighted during the visit of Dr. Carmen Mazijn, the Belgian Education Attaché, to JOOUST. Dr. Mazijn praised the development cooperation between Flemish and Kenyan universities, noting that the 10-year collaboration is positioning JOOUST as a key driver of change and innovation that will significantly improve community livelihoods within the Lake Victoria Basin.
During her visit, Dr. Mazijn officially launched the Nursing Skills Laboratory jointly established by Erasmushogeschool Brussel and funded by VLIRUOS through the Institutional University Cooperation (IUC) and International Training Programme (ITP). She also commended the support provided by VLIRUOS in establishing a functional Data Centre at JOOUST and strengthening health systems at Lolwe Health Centre.
The visit followed the successful hosting of the 1st JOOUST VLIR-IUC International Conference, which brought together doctoral researchers and project stakeholders to showcase and discuss research findings and innovations addressing challenges within the Lake Victoria Basin.
Speaking during the event, JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Emily Akuno expressed appreciation for the support received from VLIRUOS, noting that the partnership has played a significant role in the university’s transformation and research growth.
VLIRUOS was represented by Ms. Geraldine Mabbe, who applauded the positive community impact of the JOOUST VLIR-IUC programme and acknowledged the remarkable institutional transformation achieved through the grant-supported initiatives.
The continued collaboration between JOOUST and the Flemish universities underscores the importance of international partnerships in driving research excellence, innovation, and sustainable development for communities within the Lake Victoria Basin and beyond.
