JOOUST Showcases Vision for Community Transformation at Leadership and Stakeholder Forum in Nairobi
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emily A. Akuno, led a delegation from the University to a high-level Leadership and Stakeholder Forum held at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi.
The forum, themed “African Universities Driving Local Development: Visibility, Advocacy, Impact,” brought together university leaders from Kenya and Ethiopia, policymakers, ambassadors, development partners, and international organizations/associations to explore the transformative role of higher education institutions in addressing societal challenges and advancing sustainable development across Africa.
During the forum, Prof. Akuno highlighted the impact of international cooperation projects in transforming livelihoods and reaffirmed JOOUST’s commitment to co-creating solutions to societal challenges through active engagement with local communities.
Sharing her strategic vision for the University, the Vice Chancellor emphasized that JOOUST is focused on shaping community transformation by ensuring the institution remains deeply connected to the community it serves. She noted that the University’s 10-year vision seeks to nurture food-secure and healthy communities capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
Prof. Akuno further underscored the University’s long-term role in influencing national policy dialogue through impactful research and innovation generated by the institution.
The forum was officially opened by Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation. Also in attendance were distinguished diplomats and development partners including H.E. Dr. Henriette Geiger, Ambassador of the European Union to Kenya; H.E. Peter Maddens, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Republic of Kenya; and H.E. Vincenzo Del Monaco Ambassador of Italy to Kenya, among other dignitaries.
International development and funding organizations represented at the forum included EDUFI, VLIRUOS, DAAD and Uni-Italia.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by members of the University leadership and staff including Prof. Elijah Ateka (DVC-ASAR), Prof. Silvance Abeka (Project Coordinator) and Project Members including Prof. Pamela Raburu, Dr. Edwins Baraza, as well as the Project Manager Naphtaly Osika.
The forum was organized by the IMPACT Higher Education (IMPACT H.E.) Project through OBREAL with support from the European Union. As part of its ongoing capacity-building initiatives, the project is set to roll out a series of online training modules targeting Directors of International Relations and Grants Management Officers. The training will focus on strengthening soft skills in project management, establishing centralized grant management units within institutions, and enhancing institutional efficiency through the acquisition and use of Project Impact Assessment Software.
