French Ambassador courtesy call to the VC group photo.
The University of Nairobi on September 28, 2026, hosted H.E. Wadid Benaabou, the new French Ambassador to Kenya, during a familiarisation visit that highlighted the longstanding partnership between Kenya and France and the strategic role of the University’s Engineering and Science Complex (ESC) project.
The Ambassador was received by the University leadership and briefed on the ESC project by the Director of University Advancement and Institutional Development, Prof. George Abong’.
The briefing provided an opportunity to showcase the progress, vision and strategic significance of the ESC, a flagship initiative of the Governments of Kenya and France aimed at strengthening engineering and science education, research, innovation and industry-academia collaboration at the University.
Prof. Abong’ outlined the project’s development and its key pillars, highlighting the opportunities it presents for advancing multidisciplinary research, innovation, internationalisation and partnerships with industry and other stakeholders.
The ESC is supported through the partnership between the Governments of Kenya and France, with the French Development Agency (AFD) playing a key role in supporting the project. The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the University’s infrastructure and institutional capacity while positioning it as a leading centre for science, technology, engineering and innovation in the region.
Speaking during the engagement, Vice-Chancellor Eng. Prof. Ayub Gitau underscored the importance of the Kenya-France partnership in advancing the University’s strategic priorities.
“The Engineering and Science Complex represents a transformative partnership between Kenya and France. It will strengthen our capacity in engineering and science education, research and innovation, while creating new opportunities for collaboration between the University, industry and our international partners,” said Eng. Prof. Gitau.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the University values its longstanding relationship with French institutions and development partners and is committed to building partnerships that generate lasting impact for students, researchers, industry and society.
Ambassador Benaabou welcomed the opportunity to familiarise himself with the University and learn more about the ESC, noting the important role of higher education institutions in deepening relations between France and Kenya.
“The relationship between France and Kenya lives in our universities and research centres, in our businesses and start-ups, and in the many people who study, work and create connections between our two countries,” said Ambassador Benaabou.
The visit further provided an opportunity to explore areas for strengthening collaboration in education, research, innovation and industry engagement, as well as identifying opportunities for future partnerships that can support the University's institutional development agenda.
Prof. Abong’ emphasised the role of the Directorate of University Advancement and Institutional Development in facilitating strategic partnerships and mobilising resources to support the University’s transformation agenda. He noted that the ESC provides an important platform for expanding international and industry partnerships around research, innovation, technology transfer and skills development.
The engagement comes as the University continues to advance the ESC project, which has its roots in the Kenya-France partnership and represents a major investment in the future of science and engineering education and research at the University.
Also present during the engagement were the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr John Orindi, and Industry-Academia Expert, Prof. Marc Zolver.
The Directorate of University Advancement and Institutional Development continues to spearhead strategic engagements and partnerships aimed at mobilising resources, strengthening institutional capacity and positioning the University of Nairobi for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
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