JOOUST Strengthens Institutional Capacity and Global Partnerships
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology represented by Prof. Elijah Atekah (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Student Affairs & Research) and Dr. Mary Orinda (Dean, School of Agricultural &Food Sciences) recently undertook a strategic visit to the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), aimed at advancing institutional capacity, fostering global academic partnerships, and promoting innovation in higher education. The engagement also brought together representatives from Kenyatta University and Open University of Kenya to exchange knowledge and identify opportunities for sustained partnerships. The delegation was welcomed by the SDU’s Rector, Prof. Jens Ringsmose who emphasized on potential collaboration related to study programs, research partnerships, organizational cooperation and emerging technologies such as drones, MedTech and Artificial Intelligence.
The mission featured a series of consultative meetings, technical sessions, and interactive workshops focusing on application of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in various disciplines such as Agriculture, Water Management, Health & logistics, innovative teaching and learning approaches, and collaborative research development. Participants also engaged with SDU’s academic and administrative teams, gaining insights into effective research management, and student-centered learning practices.
A key highlight of the visit was the exploration of SDU’s advanced facilities and digital infrastructure, which demonstrated best practices in application of Robotics and Artificial Intelligences in various disciplines and integrating technology into higher education delivery. These engagements provided valuable lessons for adapting and scaling innovative solutions within partner institutions.
The coordinator of the programme, Prof. Ulrik Schultz, emphasized on the multidisciplinary approach to research noting that knowledge co-creation is key to coming up with local based solutions. His team has previously used drone technology to study migration of wild animals in Kenya and added that use of Robotics and AI have many applications in real life.
Ms. Yvonne Apiyo Brandle-Amolo, who is the initiator and co- partner coordinator of the initiative described the programme as a purposeful mechanism for fostering a beneficial North- South collaboration through academic mobility, curriculum development and joint research activities which result into impactful knowledge co-creation.
The mission resulted in strengthened institutional linkages and commitment to joint initiatives. Overall, the visit marked an important milestone for the university in advancing its internationalization strategy and enhancing its global competitiveness.
